Cyanobacteria slime

[gambusia]

Any suggestions? My 350 has an Fx5 filter running on it and it seems to be doing quite well. The fish are happy and healthy. However, I can't seem to get rid of the thick mats of cyanobacteria. It's gross, it smells, and it's ugly. Should I get another filter for the tank? Should I replace more than 50% of the water?

 

[Gator]

Been there so I feel for you. Its easy to get rid of without chemicals. First thing you need to do is remove as much of it as you can. Then do a large 50% water change. Now blackout the tank for at least 3 days cover it with whatever you can to keep any light from getting in there. No peeking and no feeding the fish for those 3 days. then after 3 days remove the blackout cover and do another 50% water change it should be gone. The fish will be fine without food and so will any plants you might have.

 

[gambusia]

I'm going to try this today. The tank is in my lab and I won't be coming in all weekend. The plants that I did have in there have been covered by this crap. So, new plants after I get rid of it?

Thanks

 

[Dr Joe]

Couldn't have said it better Gator, oh wait that is what I say . I think I have a rubber stamp with it around here somewhere.

gambusia, this bacteria survives with photosynthesis, so kill the light - kill the bacteria. If it is really bad you may have to go 4-5 days, plants may just need to be cleaned off.

Dr Joe

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[Gator]

Remove the cyano from plant leaves and after the 3 days the plants will look stringy when you remove the cover so you'll have to trim them back, but it might actually be better to leave them in there so they can remove the excess nutrients from the water and away from the cyanobacteria.