How do you keep a cyanobacteria problem in check without the red slime remover?

Question

= / can i keep it in check by cleaning the live rock every once in a while and the sand? what should i do? i havent managed to come across any of the chemical stuff yet.

Answer 1

Most of the Cyanobacteria treatments will also eliminate the live aspect of your live rock, as it is essentially a toxin to both the good and the bad bacteria.  The best thing you can do is starve it with FREQUENT cleanings-- every once in a while won't cut it.  You may need to do daily water changes of 10-20% to keep your nitrate and phosphate levels in check, or even larger quantities if you choose to do less frequent changes (50%+ every few days).  For a less invasive treatment other than water changes (which are ideal), you could try a phosphate removal resin, as this will greatly inhibit the bacteria's growth.

EDIT: That sounds okay, but it would be MUCH easier to get a 5 gallon bucket for  a few dollars and just mix up the saltwater there...  I don't understand why you're rinsing the live rock in freshwater, since that will have very little affect on the Cyanobacteria, and the whole ordeal of putting it in a bowl is entirely unnecessary-- water changes are the way to go.