Killing Cyanobacteria without killing beneficial bacteria?

[Kaitlin Derosier]

Is there a way to get rid of Cyanobacteria while maintaining the beneficial bacteria? I am struggling with cyanobacteria in my planted tank.   I’ve cut back on light and upped easy green to try to balance everything but wasn’t sure if there is anything else I could do to help get rid of it. I was hoping to use some gavel and hard scape from that tank to seed a new tank soon so don’t want to kill the beneficial bacteria.

[Mmiller2001]

Spot dose h202.

[bettaballistic]

Maracyn can help, some people say it kills BB but I've never personally had it happen and it is plant safe. Remove as much of it as you can manually first. Treating according to the box works but there may be cyanobacteria specific instructions out there 

[CornAndCrawlers]

Guppies. I know the internet says very few fish eat Cyanobacteria, but when I had some fancy guppies in my tank they ate all that gross crap up.

[Neolamprologus]

I was told by a marine biologist from U of M Cyanobacteria is usually associated with you nitrogen cycle. Either plants are using all the nitrates or you don't have enough biological filtration or enough fish to continue the cycle. Adding excess nutrients and light will only worsen the problem. Also low flow or circulation in the tank can also worsen it. My advice would be to cut back on the ferts/light and increase biological filtration and flow. It can clear up pretty fast on it's own. If it's a really bad infestation you have to physically remove it.  

[Kaitlin Derosier]

This was some great information, thanks so much!