[larz1620]

Hello everyone!
I own 2 freshwater tanks and 1 salt water tank. My salt water tank is a 29Gal. BioCube. I thought that would be a safer way to start into the salt water hobby. The salt water tank has been running for about 5.5 months now. Currently, I am having 3 issues (surprise, surprise). 1. when my filter is installed all of the way down (as designed), it slows the water flow into the bio balls so much that the water level in the pump cavity gets so low the pump pushes air into the main cavity (giving my sponge a fight for survival!). Any ideas?
2. I keep growing this ugly, slimy brown 'algae" no matter how frequent my water changes have become. This brown stuff multiplies within a few days after being cleaned out. It clumps together and grows on the live rock, rock bed, sponge (as it dies from the air bubbles), etc. How can I get rid of this stuff???
3. I keep losing fish! My water is test results are amazing. I have 10 ppm nitrates, 0 ppm nitrites, 0 ppm ammonia, .020 salinity, 8.2 PH. I have taken many water samples to my local fish store and have been praised for my water quality. I test with the multi-meter on a regular bases to ensure everything is functioning properly. What else should I look for?

ugly brown stuff2.jpg

ugly brown stuff.jpg

I look forward to learning how to become a great salt water fish keeper with the help of all of you Reef Members. Someday I will return the favor and help another newbie.
Thanks!

[RyanG]

Do you have any power heads in your tank? Point those power heads to where most of the cyno is growing. You might want to bump up your salinity to 1.24-1.025.

Slowly remove the bio balls from your tank and replace with nothing or live rock rubble.

And welcome to RB!

[jimw369]

Do you use tap water for water changes and top offs? Do you test for phosphates?

[larz1620]

HI.
I just did another water change and added a Fussion protein skimmer. I also bought a hose that better sucks out the cyano buildup. So far, things look ok.

[Marc Smith]

Originally Posted by larz1620

Hello everyone!
I own 2 freshwater tanks and 1 salt water tank. My salt water tank is a 29Gal. BioCube. I thought that would be a safer way to start into the salt water hobby. The salt water tank has been running for about 5.5 months now. Currently, I am having 3 issues (surprise, surprise). 1. when my filter is installed all of the way down (as designed), it slows the water flow into the bio balls so much that the water level in the pump cavity gets so low the pump pushes air into the main cavity (giving my sponge a fight for survival!). Any ideas?
2. I keep growing this ugly, slimy brown 'algae" no matter how frequent my water changes have become. This brown stuff multiplies within a few days after being cleaned out. It clumps together and grows on the live rock, rock bed, sponge (as it dies from the air bubbles), etc. How can I get rid of this stuff???
3. I keep losing fish! My water is test results are amazing. I have 10 ppm nitrates, 0 ppm nitrites, 0 ppm ammonia, .020 salinity, 8.2 PH. I have taken many water samples to my local fish store and have been praised for my water quality. I test with the multi-meter on a regular bases to ensure everything is functioning properly. What else should I look for?

Attachment 382

Attachment 383

I look forward to learning how to become a great salt water fish keeper with the help of all of you Reef Members. Someday I will return the favor and help another newbie.
Thanks!

Remember cause, and effect. Cyano is the effect of a certain cause. Are you using an RODI filter? Are you testing with any sort of TDS meter?
Also where is your Ph at...Keep at 8.3 above to help this red bandit go away.
Also (we are all guilty!) Don't feed the monster! Keep your fish feedings down. they won't starve.
Also if you want to have some real fun...leave your lights out for 48 hours. It won't kill anything...Then turn your light cycle on to like 4 -5 hours. After a week 6-8 hours, and so on.
Remember cause, and effect!!!