Blue-green Algae (slime Aglae)

[fish are friends....]

I have got a serious problem with this stuff ever since I changed my carbon filter and 1 months or so ago. I'v read it can be cause by re-establishing bacteria. However it is really really ugly stuff. I try and brush it of the gravel and plants everyday and the next dry I get twice as much. I am doing 2 water changes a week and have cut down on the feeding and lights.

Anybody got any miracle cures!

Going to take a water sample to work on saturday to get the phosphate and nitrate levels tested.


Any help would be much appreciated!

Meg

 

[fatheadminnow]

Found this for ya.

Description: This isn't a true algae, but a bacteria called cyanobacteria that is able to photosynthesise. Covers everything in a blue/green slimy mat. Easily peels off but grows back again very quickly. It can smell pretty foul. It is very commonly found in the substrate and especially along the front glass where is receives light.
Cause: Often caused by very low nitrates. It is fairly common to have it growing in the substrate against the front glass from where it can spread. Sometimes it appears with new setups that have had light and ammonia present at some point. Dirty substrates and filters may also bring it on. Poor water circulation is another possible cause.
Removal: A blackout is the best method for this. Clean out as much of the algae as you can and do a 30 to 50% water change. If your nitrates are low then add some potassium nitrate to get levels to 20ppm. Remove CO2 and add an airstone. Turn off lights and cover the whole tank so no light can enter. Leave it for 3 to 4 days. No peeking and no feeding - fish will be fine without food for this period. After 3 to 4 days remove the covers and do a 30 - 50% water change. Remove airstone and start CO2. You will need to dose nitrates to keep them dropping too low again. Make sure your substrate and filter doesn't become too clogged up with mulm and also make sure you have good water circulation around the whole tank.
Another option is to treat with Maracyn which is an anti-biotic. Seems to work well but may affect the biological filter. In the UK it is illegal to purchase Maracyn without first getting a prescription for it from a vet.
If the BGA is originating from the substrate place some dark tape on the glass to hide the substrate from direct light.

-FHM

 

[Amunet]

First get out as much of it as you can... and then black out the tank for about 4 days or so. Put a blanket over it, whatever ya gotta do to completely eliminate light from the tank.

People also recommend to use electrical tape to cover the sides of the tank where the gravel is so no light can get to it since BGA usually? originates from the substrate.

 

[fish are friends....]

First get out as much of it as you can... and then black out the tank for about 4 days or so. Put a blanket over it, whatever ya gotta do to completely eliminate light from the tank.

People also recommend to use electrical tape to cover the sides of the tank where the gravel is so no light can get to it since BGA usually? originates from the substrate.

I have got about 25 fry in the tank, is it going to be ok to not feed them for 4 days?

 

[WILDER]

A good link.
[URL="http/naturalaquariums.com/plantedtank/0608.html"]http/naturalaquariums.com/plantedtank/0608.html[/URL]

I would only use antibiotics as a last resort.

 

[fish are friends....]

A good link.
<a href="http/naturalaquariums.com/plantedtank/0608.html" target="_blank">http/naturalaquariums.com/plantedtank/0608.html</a>

I would only use antibiotics as a last resort.

Thanks for the link its pretty good!

I am doing a total revamp of my tank in the next month and was going to change the substrate and plants and just give it a really good clean because its been running for about 5-6 years now. Would this get rid of the bacteria or will it remain in the water?

 

[WILDER]

Once you changed the substrate and plants just water changes to dilute the bacteria down.

 

[fish are friends....]

Ok thanks for all the information. I get onto it!

Meg

 

[WILDER]

Good Luck.

 

[fish are friends....]

Started it just now, so will turn the lights back on on saturday probably. I have removed all the fish and put them into my other tank temporarly.
Hopefully it'll work and I can get my tank looking spakling clean again