green slime algae

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A

Andrewtfw

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Dec 23, 2005
1,044
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Maryland
Hi,

In recent days, my 33 cube has developed a green slime algae that is covering many of the plants, as well as partially covering the rootwood. The tank has been running for over a year. The specs are as folows:

RO/DI water, changed bi-weekly (50-70%)
Flourish plant fertilizer used (all products except nitrogen and phosphorus)
100% flourite substrate
Coralife 96w PC fixture with 6500K bulb (8 hours daily)
Co2 from canister at 2 bubbles per second
Fluval 104 canister filter

The tank is not overstocked in terms of fish, but is heavily planted.

I was using baking soda to help set the ph/kh, but now use alkaline buffer for ph/kh. I also use equilibrium for gh.

I have been keeping planted tanks for about 7 years now, and have never had this problem. It does not seem to be getting better or worse, but is unsightly. I have read online that low oxygen could be a cause; low water circulation another cause. Any suggestions? -Andrew
 
Is your algae a dark, bluish green? I think that you are referring to what I'd call cyanobacteria or blue-green algae. Google will have some good pics.

I have heard that the BGA proliferates in low nitrate environments because of their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. But, you're in luck! BGA is actually cyanobacteria and will respond to certain antibiotics, like erythromycin (can be bought under trade name Marycin).

I struggled with this stuff for a while, but I did a treatment a few weeks ago and that eliminated it. It's gone without a trace (not that I don't have other algae...). It worked great for me. I described my treatment and some others commented on their success as well here: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45477

Good vacuuming and W/C didn't help me, so I hope this can help you.

Brandon
 
Slime algae, or cyanobacteria, is a sign of low nitrates. Dose some form of nitrate, or nitrogen. Keep levels in the 5-10ppm range.

If you decide to use the erythromycin phosphate measure, CAREFULLY watch your ammonia and nitrite levels, as you may have spikes, and bio filter problems.
 
Maracyn Plus contains Sulfadimidine and trimethoprin. I don't have any experience with this. What you want is Maracyn (regular) that contains erythromycin.

Brandon
 
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