Here we go again...what is this?!?

My brown algae is now turning into this green, wavy algae that is only on the substrate. What is this? I can see it waving at me with the water flow from my powerhead.

 

wavy like slimy or hairy?

 

Looks like cyanobacteria

 

someone already said ti

 

Wavy, definitely not hairy.

 

looks like cyano to me too

 

OK...now that's established. I've done a little research on here so far. Looks like water changes are due (I do one a week). High nitrates causing this? I've been around 20-30 the last couple weeks. The tank is not quite 2 months old. Running a fuge with some chaeto in it (probably about 3 weeks old).

Anything else I could do to eliminate or slow down? Cut back on lighting?

 

Increase flow in the tank, increase water change volume, use RO/DI water if you are using tap water. Get a reactor with GFO. Increase your alkalinity and pH.

 

Cyano is very common in new tanks. Going through it myself right now.

 

Cyano bacteria is common in established tanks too . total PITA, but it won't be the last time your see it. It gets established due to high nutrient levels, but it has been around almost as long as life itself. During this time its picked up a few tricks, such as nitrogen fixation as a source of inorganic N and using siderophores to collect iron.

What does all this mean? it is one tough sob... Anyways, IMO, I would probably siphon up and reduce nutrients as much as possible. the problem with cyano, is once established, nutrient reduction won't necessarily get rid of it alone for the reasons described above. However, nutrient reduction does seem to limit it's growth. So mechanical removal may be necessary in addition. Edit: also you could reduce nutrients and turn off the lights for a few days. However, I think siphoning is safer, as it won't effect other livestock.