Algae problems, Cyano or Diatoms?

[Humpty]

Ya it's an api test kit. So is it pretty much useless then?
What brand would you recommend?

Good to know about spreading cyano, I'll reposition the outputs tomorrow.

I can't seem to get much of it out with the syphon, it's so thin right now it sticks to the rocks. I'm sure if it gets worse it'll be easier to siphon out. The only place I can clean it easy is the glass which I can't really siphon after. That's also the place that the snails do the most work.

[reefwars]

For phosphate I prefer a Hanna tester or a salifert test kit

I wouldn't worry too much about it yet maybe kill the lights for a day or two then if it comes back look at other things like nutrient import/export

[Humpty]

Ok so should I blackout the main tank and leave the light on in the sump for the chaeto or black out both tanks?
I know the blackout works amazing in planted tanks but will the corals handle the blackout ok? I have candy canes, lobos, favias, hammer, frogspawn, mushrooms, and a few zoas.

[reefwars]

Originally Posted by Humpty

Ok so should I blackout the main tank and leave the light on in the sump for the chaeto or black out both tanks?
I know the blackout works amazing in planted tanks but will the corals handle the blackout ok? I have candy canes, lobos, favias, hammer, frogspawn, mushrooms, and a few zoas.

most likely dont have to go to that extreme , but just to not turn your lights on for a day ....everything else stays the same

its not a bad case so no need to pull out the big guns unless it doesnt go away

[Humpty]

Originally Posted by reefwars

most likely dont have to go to that extreme , but just to not turn your lights on for a day ....everything else stays the same

its not a bad case so no need to pull out the big guns unless it doesnt go away

I agree that its not too bad yet. I like to make small changes, big changes seem to cause more problems.

I've been reading about vinegar dosing, it's interesting. Is this something I should start doing or should I give it more time for my tank to system to balance out? Or stay away from it unless it is needed?

[reefwars]

Originally Posted by Humpty

I agree that its not too bad yet. I like to make small changes, big changes seem to cause more problems.

I've been reading about vinegar dosing, it's interesting. Is this something I should start doing or should I give it more time for my tank to system to balance out? Or stay away from it unless it is needed?

it can be done from the minute the first foods hit the water , however you should read on it and what it does , whats needed to do it and what some of the consequences can be.

i can def help you get started or at least put a nutrient export plan into place , would be best to come see me at concept(denny) and i can show you a few things and go over some info with you


cheers

denny

[reefwars]

have a read here to get you started

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...=carbon+dosing


if you want to go further come see me: