Slime Algae

[Poot]

I have blue green algae spreading all over my tank, having read various articles and changed my lighting, i think it is due to a lack of nutrients for the plants (something about how i have to make phosphates the limiting factor). So can i just buy any old aquatic fertiliser. Does anyone in the UK know one i could buy that they would recommend.

Thanks

Poot

 

[Alien Anna]

Blue green algae isn't normal algae - in fact, its closer to bacteria. It's kind of an infection of your tank and needs specific treatment.

You can either use antibiotic type meds to remove it (Interpet do a treatment) or keep the lights out for a fortnight.

 

[Poot]

wouldn't that kill my plants if i left the lights off for two weeks?

 

[Alien Anna]

wouldn't that kill my plants if i left the lights off for two weeks?

Probably, yes.

 

[odjbo]

It's Cyanobacteria...

I've had it, and tried using Melafix to treat it, to no great effect, apart from limiting it's spread, it certainly didn't reduce it's growth.

Eurythromycin, a kind of anti-biotic is apparently used to great effect...

I have not tried it, and I need to do more research into it, just to make sure it will not kill all my plants and fish !!!...!!!

Anyway, if you use it, perhaps a post here would be usefull, and let me know how you get on...

Phosphate limitation... Oh dear, more research... Oh Well, I guess this is why I love this hobby so much... You never stop learning.

D.