I want to walk you through a simple, effective way to evict Cyano from your reef without nuking the microbiome. I will demonstrate how Tropic Marin Cyo-Control uses beneficial bacteria and natural zeolite to outcompete cyanobacteria and polish your water—without antibiotics, biocides, or toxins.
Cyano is one of the most stubborn nuisances in reef tanks: it spreads over rocks, sand, and corals, smothering surfaces and ruining water clarity. The goal with Tropic Marin Cyo-Control is simple—displace Cyano and give beneficial surface bacteria the real estate it wants so the cyanobacteria can't re-establish.
Table of Contents
- How Cyo-Control Works
- What's in the Bottle?
- Dosage, Treatment Plan and Practical Steps
- Why This Is a Better Approach
- Quick Troubleshooting Tips
- FAQ
- Conclusion
How Cyo-Control Works
Tropic Marin Cyo-Control isn't a harsh antibiotic or a chemical nuke. Instead, it contains a targeted surface-dwelling probiotic bacterium that colonises the same surfaces Cyano prefers and crowds it out. Think of it as biological eviction—an army of good bacteria taking the seats Cyano loves and refusing to give them back.
Beyond simple competition, the formula also binds pollutants. The included natural zeolite mineral helps capture excess nutrients and other pollutants, which the probiotic bacteria can then use as food. The result is clearer water and fewer nutrients left for Cyano to exploit.
What's in the Bottle?
- One specific strain of surface-dwelling probiotic bacteria
- Natural zeolite mineral powder
- Water
That's it. No antibiotics, no toxins—just a simple probiotic + mineral blend designed for reef-safe performance.
Dosage, Treatment Plan and Practical Steps
Each 500 ml bottle treats a total of 260 gallons. Tropic Marin recommends a three-dose protocol spread over a few days:
- Perform a water change and physically remove as much Cyano as you can by siphoning from affected surfaces.
- Turn off UV sterilizers and protein skimmers before dosing.
- Shake the Cyo-Control bottle to evenly suspend the bacteria.
- Dose at 50 ml per 26 gallons of aquarium water.
- Let the treatment settle for 15–20 minutes, then resume UV and skimming.
- Repeat the dose two days later, then once more two days after that (three doses total).
One bottle is almost perfect for an 80-gallon system when split across the three treatments. The product is very safe and virtually impossible to overdose, so a little heavy-handedness won't hurt—and you can store remaining product at room temperature (no refrigeration required) for later use.
When to Repeat or Pair Products
In many cases, three doses are enough to deliver a solid TKO to Cyano. For especially nasty or recurring outbreaks, Tropic Marin recommends pairing Cyo-Control with Reef ACTIV (ReefActif). ReefActif helps bind nutrients and effectively turns them into a buffet for your new bacterial army, supercharging bacterial growth and improving long-term results.
Why This Is a Better Approach
Using Cyo-Control focuses on ecological balance rather than elimination. Instead of killing everything and risking microbiome imbalance, you promote beneficial colonisers that naturally keep Cyano off the surfaces it loves. The zeolite also polishes the water, which helps reduce the nutrient footholds Cyano needs to return.
Quick Troubleshooting Tips
- If Cyano returns, re-check nutrient sources (feeding, dosing mistakes, or refugium issues).
- Ensure good flow across problem areas so beneficial bacteria can settle and compete effectively.
- Don't forget the physical removal step—manual siphoning speeds recovery and reduces the load the probiotics must overcome.
FAQ
Is Cyo-Control an antibiotic?
No. Cyo-Control is a probiotic formulation. It introduces beneficial surface bacteria to outcompete and displace Cyano rather than chemically killing microorganisms.
How many treatments do I need?
The recommended approach is three doses: an initial dose, a second dose two days later, and a final dose two days after that. Many systems see Cyano disappear after this protocol.
Can I overdose?
It's very safe and virtually impossible to overdose. The recommended dosing rate is 50 ml per 26 gallons. If you have leftover product, it can be stored at room temperature—no fridge required.
Should I turn off equipment?
Yes—turn off UV sterilizers and protein skimmers during dosing and for 15–20 minutes after to allow the bacteria to settle on surfaces. Resume normal operation after that window.
Can I use it with other nutrient control products?
Yes. For severe Cyano outbreaks, pairing with ReefActif is recommended to bind nutrients and help the probiotic bacteria thrive.
Conclusion
If your reef has been dealing with persistent Cyano, Tropic Marin Cyo-Control offers a reef-safe, biological approach that focuses on long-term prevention rather than short-term eradication. With simple prep (water change and siphoning), three targeted doses, and optional pairing with ReefActif, you can clear your tank and keep it clean by letting the good bacteria do the heavy lifting.
If a natural, microbiome-friendly strategy fits your reefing philosophy, Cyo-Control is worth trying—it's an effective way to tell Cyano its seat is taken for good.
This article was inspired from the video Say Goodbye to Cyano! Tropic Marin Cyo-Control | Drop a like and subscribe to show your support!
