[Palmer]

Originally Posted by Diana

Haha, I didn't say corals reduce the available light? Its just an observation I have had. Not to say that the amount of light in the aquarium and the population of corals has a direct effect on cyanobacteria, but there seems to be a relation. My theory is that corals use light and nutrients, both of which cyanobacteria and algaes also use, therefore if you have a healthy coral population they should out compete the algae for its resources. Similar to a refugium where "good" algae out competes the "bad" algae.

Some corals are better at it than others, too. I usually will throw in a few healthy meaty leathers, some colts, green star and lots of mushrooms as my base corals used primarily to soak up nutrients (and hey- they look good too!). Keep a shallow sand bed, lots of flow to keep the rock clean + a good aquascape allowing for movement behind the structure. Some good cleaners help too (sand starfish, lawnmower blenny, strawberry top hats, etc). Feed minimally, have a good skimmer and use filter floss. Run lights on the low side, bumping up slowly. Change bulbs when they are old. If you still get cyanobacteria popping up (it does still happen, persistent little living fossil) dose with chemicals. However, in the last year or so since we have figured out this balancing act, we have rarely used the stuff.

I wish there was a formula for it, that way I could describe it better. But unfortunately each tank is different and thus each way to approach the situation will be different.

HTH
-Diana

Oh okay when you said "ample organisms utilizing the available light" that made me think that somehow you meant available light was finite or something lol....

Thanks for the explanation.