Dosing nitrates (KNO3) to combat cyano

[Jakegr]

Originally Posted by syncro

Won't it grow back when the lights come back on? I tried this treatment on a flatworm problem. It worked but only temporarily.


Great finding! I do run the tank at 77F. This might be a long term solution.


Me too!

The lights-off technique works best if it is combined with manual removal of cyano, some sort of nutrient control such as GFO and reduced feeding, and, if possible, increasing flow. You are right though, it will come back if the under lying cause isn't taken care of.

I'm actually really enjoying running my tank at 73.5 F. Evapouration is greatly reduced (my 85 gallon system evapourates ~3 gals/week) and there are a few other benefits such as increased O2, lack of cyano, reduced feeding requirements, electric savings and fewer potential pathogens in the water (important for sea horses). It would most likely reduce SPS growth however.

Anyways, good luck!