Am I leaving my lights on too long?

[jehuggin]

So I am starting to have some Cyano sightings in my 55. It has been set up for about 3 months, do a 10 gal water change each week (maybe missed a week here or so, but never went more then 2 weeks), Nitrates have been undetectable along with Phosphates.

The bio load consists of:

<ol>
<li>Kole Tang (small)</li>
<li>Hippo Tang (small)</li>
<li>Purple Firefish</li>
<li>2 Clowns</li>
<li>Yellow Coris</li>
</ol>
Corals are doing great:

<ol>
<li>Large Zoa Population</li>
<li>Maxima Clam</li>
<li>Sun Corals</li>
<li>Bubble Coral</li>
<li>Finger Leather</li>
<li>Candy Cane Coral (frag)</li>
<li>Chalice (type unknown - frag)</li>
<li>plate coral (frag)</li>
<li>Mushrooms</li>
<li>Some hair type LPS (frag)</li>
<li>Rainbow Acans (frag)</li>
</ol>
So now I am trying to figure out what's happening to cause the Cyano, it is just starting out and not taking over the tank, but I want to stop it.

I have two thoughts, the first is that I have my lights on too long. Currently running a 4 bulb T5 HO fixture. 2 actinics and 2 10K. The actinicts are on from 08:00 - 20:00, the 10ks are on from 09:00 - 17:00. Moon leds on from 20:00 - 06:00. Could this be causing my problem?

My second thought is that I don't have enough flow since it appears to be happening in single area of the tank, and pretty much stays there....

Any thoughts or opinions?

 

[weaglereefer]

jehuggin;564445 wrote: My second thought is that I don't have enough flow since it appears to be happening in single area of the tank, and pretty much stays there....

Any thoughts or opinions?

:yes:

 

[jehuggin]

Thanks weagle.

 

[rskillz]

Sounds like a flow issue to me, the lighting doesn't seem like enough overkill to cause issues.

 

[huttongd]

I agree, lack of flow. I have that problem myself w/ my seahorse tank since I don't have as much flow. If you can redirect a powerhead or add additional flow to that area of the tank, you should be good. Good Luck!

 

[gnashty]

I had cyno issues in one small part of the tank - adjusted flow and got a sand sifting goby to help out and all has been well ever since :thumbs:

 

[grouper therapy]

How long has the system been up and running? How deep is your sand bed? Where is the Cyno showing up in the tank? In the sand bed?
The nitrate and phosphate levels may show undetectable since the cyno bacteria and your filtration are consuming them as fast as they are introduced. Getting rid of nuisance algae and bacteria in our systems can be like weight loss in way.Once the weight is gained then you must burn more calories than you consume in a day to reduce the weight.

I've not seen many new systems that did not have a cyno bloom .

 

[corigan]

I run my light cycle for 12 hrs, doubt that is your problem. I would up the flow for sure, usually the first step of battling cyano. More than likely that hippo and kole, even though they are small are waste factories and gumping up the water more than u think.

 

[jehuggin]

It's actually a relatively new tank about 2 to 3 months old. I do agree with you regarding the readings as the cyano could be consuming them as they are created.

Being that most new systems have a cyano outbreak, is this something I should be overly concerned with? What should I be doing to correct it. I upped my flow considerably by putting in 2 Koralias - 1050s yet I am still seeing the cyano.

It is mainly present on the sand, but have seen it creeping up on some of the rock where it meets the sand.

grouper therapy;565660 wrote: How long has the system been up and running? How deep is your sand bed? Where is the Cyno showing up in the tank? In the sand bed?
The nitrate and phosphate levels may show undetectable since the cyno bacteria and your filtration are consuming them as fast as they are introduced. Getting rid of nuisance algae and bacteria in our systems can be like weight loss in way.Once the weight is gained then you must burn more calories than you consume in a day to reduce the weight.

I've not seen many new systems that did not have a cyno bloom .

 

[grouper therapy]

I don't think you should be that concerned. I have a theory on the new tank cyno outbreaks. When new tanks are establishing or cycling there is usually an ammonia spike followed by a beneficial anaerobic bacteria establishment. Hydrogen sulfide is also produced in this process usually in the sand bed. Cyano will obtain it's needed electron from this sulfide. I believe that Cyno is nature's way of balance the system and is actually a signal of a healthy system.

 

[acroholic]

grouper therapy;565963 wrote: I don't think you should be that concerned. I have a theory on the new tank cyno outbreaks. When new tanks are establishing or cycling there is usually an ammonia spike followed by a beneficial anaerobic bacteria establishment. Hydrogen sulfide is also produced in this process usually in the sand bed. Cyano will obtain it's needed electron from this sulfide. I believe that Cyno is nature's way of balance the system and is actually a signal of a healthy system.

You are so scientifical!!!

 

[grouper therapy]

Acroholic;565964 wrote: You are so scientifical!!!

Why thank you!!
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[jehuggin]

Thanks. I will keep an eye on it and be diligent in my water changes. Hopefully that will help clear it up.

Thanks for the insight on your theory, it does seem to make sense.

grouper therapy;565963 wrote: I don't think you should be that concerned. I have a theory on the new tank cyno outbreaks. When new tanks are establishing or cycling there is usually an ammonia spike followed by a beneficial anaerobic bacteria establishment. Hydrogen sulfide is also produced in this process usually in the sand bed. Cyano will obtain it's needed electron from this sulfide. I believe that Cyno is nature's way of balance the system and is actually a signal of a healthy system.