Teal Cyano under sand?

[mickeyfish]

This has been developing for the past few weeks. I siphon it out during biweekly water changes, and it comes right back. Is this Cyano?

My phosphates sit around .1-.2 and I have tried running GFO and now Phosguard to get it down. Can’t get below the .1 mark though. Anything else I can do for this?

Tank is only 5 months old so is this just an expected phase of “the uglies?”




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[Tripod1404]

To me that just look like refracted light.

[mickeyfish]

Originally Posted by Tripod1404

To me that just look like refracted light.

Here is a better shot. When I stir it up it’s def teal and some remains on the glass.





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[tthouston]

That's normal, it will clean by algae cleaner magnet. If your tank close to window the algae will grow even more.

[Trigger Tough]

I wouldn’t disturb that sandbed. Even though it isn’t deep it might produce some anaerobic zones which will help with the nitrogen cycle. If those spots turn black you’ll know it’s happening

[mickeyfish]

Originally Posted by Trigger Tough

I wouldn’t disturb that sandbed. Even though it isn’t deep it might produce some anaerobic zones which will help with the nitrogen cycle. If those spots turn black you’ll know it’s happening

Sooo... just let it spread? The other side of the tank has a bit as well, but it is reddish. Will this die down over time?


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[ramseynb]

Originally Posted by Trigger Tough

I wouldn’t disturb that sandbed. Even though it isn’t deep it might produce some anaerobic zones which will help with the nitrogen cycle. If those spots turn black you’ll know it’s happening

This.

That's why I use around an inch of sand. IME, running much more than that is a recipe for problems unless you're going to use a deep sand bed which has special requirements.

[mickeyfish]

Originally Posted by ramseynb

This.



That's why I use around an inch of sand. IME, running much more than that is a recipe for problems unless you're going to use a deep sand bed which has special requirements.

Ok, so the advice for now is not to siphon and leave it as is, while continuing to lower phosphates? Will it turn black and eventually clear up? What should I expect?


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[ramseynb]

If it turns black, you won't want to disturb it. Personally, I'd slowly remove a little bit each water change and get it down to about an inch that way you can keep it stirred somewhat and it won't be deep enough to go anaerobic. Once it goes anaerobic, it can release hydrogen sulfate if disturbed which would be toxic to your tank. That's why you don't want to disturb a deep sand bed.

You may also want to get some critters like nassarius and/or cerith snails and other sand sifters that may help keep it clean.

[tthouston]

Use this...easy.

https://www.marinedepot.com/Kent_Mar...kaAjgcEALw_wcB

[mcgyvr]

Normal..
Just some cyano... siphon it out if you want.. tank is new.. This stuff should be expected/tolerated in a new tank..

[AlSimmons]

Just run a credit card down the front of the glass. You should be able to remove the algae without disturbing the sand bed too much. Leaving it alone is fine too though.

[mickeyfish]

Originally Posted by AlSimmons

Just run a credit card down the front of the glass. You should be able to remove the algae without disturbing the sand bed too much. Leaving it alone is fine too though.

Scraped and siphoned with water change today. Let’s see if it comes back.


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[ramseynb]

Looks good. I would take the opportunity to remove a bit of the sand while it’s pretty clean and there’s no issues if it were me. That’s just my personal option.
I like a shallow sand bed that I siphon/stir regularly and even remove some of with each water change.