Cyanobacteria, green ones

[Lorifan]

Hi guys!

I do have a problem on a friend's tank, he has a discus tank with the following parameters:

pH:7.5/8
KH:3
NO2:0
NO3:0
T°: 29°C

He removes the cyano manually and it keeps coming back over and over, today I put some peat in his filter, hoping that lowing down the pH could do someting...
Puting some Corydoras could avoid formation of this algae on the gravel? yes or no?
Any other ideas?

thanks!

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,
It can be difficult to get rid off, particularly in non-planted tanks. Syphoning and increased flow are probably the best bet. If the tank is planted have a look here <http://aquariumalgae.blogspot.com/2006/03/blue-green-slime-or-smear-algae.html>.

cheers Darrel

 

[Lorifan]

thanks dw1305
it helps! I have some friends in chemistry, Ill get erythromycine...
what about formalin in this case?

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

I have some friends in chemistry, Ill get erythromycine...
what about formalin in this case?

Personally I wouldn't recommend Erythromicin (or any other antibiotic) as there can be unexpected down-sides to any chemical treatment (as Dusko notes in the blog). As for formalin, you definitely don't want to use that what ever happens.

If your friend wants a quick result? how about the "black out"?

Having said that both antibiotics and black out are treating the symptom, not the cause, and the BGA/cyanobacteria is almost certain to return. I only ever get BGA (in my planted tanks) when I have a really large plant load, and the flow doesn't reach all of the tank. I then get a little smear of BGA on the floating plants, and glass, just below the water line in the stagnant areas.

cheers Darrel

 

[Brengun]

I found in mine the majority of the increase was up on the insides of the tank lids where condensation was forming. I cleaned that, dropped the water level and used a paper towel to wipe all around the usual water line. When I did a wc I took the water from up near the top.
I also increased the filtration. It didnt go quickly but it did go. Putting the ph up slightly I think also may have helped.