Cyno - Red Slime Algae Issue.

JayBeDriften · 07-12-2006, 10:59 PM

Hello everyone, bare with me on this one because this description might be a bit lengthy. I am currently having a Cyno - Red Slime Algae issue within my main display aquarium. Now I consider myself pretty knowledgable is common Marine Aquarium issues such as this one but I'm going to tell everyone what I did below to address possible causes that are contributing to the rapid growth of this nuisance algae and if I miss anything please chime in.

1. I understand that undissolved organic waste is a contributer that would feed the Cyno and since the aquariums setup about 6 months ago I have had no clean up crew what so ever.

I have went out the the store but due to financial limitations I was only able to buy 6 Turbo Snails. When pay day rolls around I'm going to purchase more especially since my newest addition may have a tendancy to eat the little guys. Any other clean up crew member suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

2. Lighting is another area that I had addressed. I originally had the timers on my 436 watt T5 High Output lighting system set to come on for 16 hours of the day. I reduced it to 8 hours but the Cyno just kept coming strong.

3. Live Rock is another factor. I only have about 80 lbs of live rock which I know is not enough so when Pay Day roles around I'm going to add more. I'm also going to convert my wet-dry trickle filter into a sump with live rock to compensate for the swimming room that is needed within the main display for the Stingray.

4. I also just noticed today that my 2 protein skimmers where not funtioning properly but still filling the collection cup up with sludge. I have purged the lines of air and recalibrated them so that they are functioning properly once again.

Is their anything that I missed anyone?

fat walrus · 07-12-2006, 11:04 PM

try to avoid frozen foods with gel binders.
avoid and additives with EDTA, sucrose, or glutonates.

JayBeDriften · 07-12-2006, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fat walrus

try to avoid frozen foods with gel binders.
avoid and additives with EDTA, sucrose, or glutonates.

Thanks for the information. I just checked and all my foods and additives are good to go.

**wwest** · 07-12-2006, 11:20 PM

Is there a good janitor for Cyno Algae?

fat walrus · 07-12-2006, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wwest

Is there a good janitor for Cyno Algae?

scarlett hermits and sally lightfoot crabs.

JayBeDriften · 07-12-2006, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fat walrus

scarlett hermits and sally lightfoot crabs.

Would you happen to know of any place online that sells them in large numbers for a fair price?

pham411 · 07-12-2006, 11:56 PM

first, lets talk about the flow in your tank. what kinds of pumps do you have. cyno can be caused by exess nutrients in your water but also because of dead spots. high flow usually clears up the problem.

it would take an army of scarletts to clean a tank covered in cyno.
describe to us your setup.

JayBeDriften · 07-13-2006, 12:04 AM

I currently have 6 Penguin 1140 model 1200gph powerheads in various direction within my 180 gallon aquarium and my return line from my wet/dry filter is custom pvc piping with 14 output holes being powered by a Mag 7 pump.

**wwest** · 07-13-2006, 12:10 AM

where is the Cyno mainly located in your tank? sandbed, rocks or all over?

pham411 · 07-13-2006, 12:10 AM

i have no experience with penguins sorry, does it move the water? im assuming 6 of any 1200gph powerhead would move some serious water.

JayBeDriften · 07-13-2006, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wwest

where is the Cyno mainly located in your tank? sandbed, rocks or all over?

The Cyno is mainly located on the rocks and the Sand bed.

JayBeDriften · 07-13-2006, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pham411

i have no experience with penguins sorry, does it move the water? im assuming 6 of any 1200gph powerhead would move some serious water.

I'm gathering they do the job accurately because my Purple Goniopora waves around as though it where in a hurricane. But I'm gathering that more flow couldn't hurt any suggestions on powerheads that cannot be found at Petco or Petland Discounts. LOL

filatelico · 07-13-2006, 10:58 AM

Try to remove as much as possible manually, and check the next day if the cyno starts growing in the same spot. When my tank had a cyno problem it was growing in a dead spot, after adjusting the power heads, and removing it manually every day (less than a week) it was gone (I also did 3 small water changes).

JayBeDriften · 07-13-2006, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by filatelico

Try to remove as much as possible manually, and check the next day if the cyno starts growing in the same spot. When my tank had a cyno problem it was growing in a dead spot, after adjusting the power heads, and removing it manually every day (less than a week) it was gone (I also did 3 small water changes).

The Cyno is kind of all over the sand bed and rocks but I will take a crack at reminding it.

fat walrus · 07-13-2006, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayBeDriften

any suggestions on powerheads that cannot be found at Petco or Petland Discounts. LOL

SEIOs are lots of flow and good dispersion. good bang for the buck.
TUNZEs are good if you want to spend a lot more money.

JayBeDriften · 07-14-2006, 11:35 AM

I woke up to more of this Red Slime Algae all over ths place. It's getting out of control so I'm going to the local pet shop today to pick up some phosphate sponges and Red Slime Algae removal chemical.

a_iranbodi · 07-14-2006, 03:54 PM

be careful using red slim remover thing i've read a report (i couldn't remember the site) RSR killed feather dusters!
I suggest do some researches about this stuff before using it