Is cyanobacteria dangerous? should I remove them?
- Thread starter Barry Tetra
- Start date
No, it’s very dangerous to fish and humans alike.
Last edited:
AbbeysDad
Fish Gatherer
+2 - Get rid of it and explore why/how it got established...perhaps you need to step up on the volume and/or frequency of partial water changes.
Would not recommend keeping cyanobacteria in the aquarium at all to be entirely honest.
You are best to remove this, cyanobacteria otherwise known as blue green algae (BGA) which is a is a bit of a misnomer as strictly speaking its not an algae but a type of photosynthetic bacteria.
Try manually removing as much or all of the cyanobacteria, an old toothbrush is good for this, and if cyanobacteria was on rocks, wood or décor, would suggest to take this out and clean it and return to tank.
As this bacteria relies heavily on light and nutrients, perhaps reducing your daily light time or reduce direct sunlight as this is a common factor in this, and also perhaps reduce daily or weekly ferts to half until you are certain the cyanobacteria is gone.
I've had this once, was at very front of tank between substrate and tank glass, I removed this by using a old toothbrush and scooping out the area of substrate and also reduced the light time, was not adding ferts at that time and never saw cyanobacteria again after that thankfully.
You are best to remove this, cyanobacteria otherwise known as blue green algae (BGA) which is a is a bit of a misnomer as strictly speaking its not an algae but a type of photosynthetic bacteria.
Try manually removing as much or all of the cyanobacteria, an old toothbrush is good for this, and if cyanobacteria was on rocks, wood or décor, would suggest to take this out and clean it and return to tank.
As this bacteria relies heavily on light and nutrients, perhaps reducing your daily light time or reduce direct sunlight as this is a common factor in this, and also perhaps reduce daily or weekly ferts to half until you are certain the cyanobacteria is gone.
I've had this once, was at very front of tank between substrate and tank glass, I removed this by using a old toothbrush and scooping out the area of substrate and also reduced the light time, was not adding ferts at that time and never saw cyanobacteria again after that thankfully.
How do you know if it’s cyanobacteria or just green algae on the glass?
BGA will peel away in sheets. Once you have had it the smell is a pretty good clue.
So if I have to scrape hard to get it off glass then it’s not cyanobacteria, right?
Is it like the slimy stuff on boat ramps?
Or are you asking if it can added to the tank for food, from a local body of water?
Nope - that's just algae.
So I only know if I have it if I can peel it off. OK.
Cyanobacteria is different from normal brown or green algae.
It’s more blue and green and is like a sheet clingfilm that covers an area, if you ever see it, it’s pretty distinguishable and easily recognised.
OP
OP
Now I'm not sure if it just a green algae or cyanobacteria, I'll take a picture for you guys in about 30 min.
OP
OP
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