
My last tank. About 3-4 weeks after start began to show cyanobacteria on the substrate. Within two days, it exploded and my plants were covered. I think my fish were swimming around with some on.
I tried every natural thing I could think of but it didn't work. Finally brought out the antibiotic and it never came back. I thought I was clear. Nope.
As things matured, hair algae started. Tweaked CO2, lights. Vacuumed. It held strong. It wasn't until I did a three day blackout that it yielded and receded.
All in all, my tank battled wave after wave for the first year of its existence. Once is matured and the ecosystem balanced, it was algae-unseen for the rest of the time.
So, can you relate?