Green Slime Algae

[stevensdrs]

Just like to add that since dosing with Maracyn the tank is still clear of BGA, the plants are growing better than ever and the fish are all healthy. I have also added a phosphate stripper "Rowaphos" to the filter and do partial water changes to keep the nitrate level low.
I do not believe that the BGA will return under these conditions.

 

[rdd1952]

I finally found a phosphate test kit and that doesn't seem to be my problem either. Just checked everything: Ammonia, Nitrite = 0, Nitrate = 7.5, pH - 6.6, KH = 1, Phosphate = .1 ppm. Is there anything else taht can be causing this stuff?

 

[guppygirl]

You could reduce the nitrates, I'm not an expert on it, but in any case, less nitrate is not a bad thing!!

 

[rdd1952]

I don't know how to get Nitrates much lower. Anything under 40 is generally ok.

 

[iggy01]

I finally found a phosphate test kit and that doesn't seem to be my problem either. Just checked everything: Ammonia, Nitrite = 0, Nitrate = 7.5, pH - 6.6, KH = 1, Phosphate = .1 ppm. Is there anything else taht can be causing this stuff?

Wow! your test results appear to blow the phosphate/nitrate ratio theory, right out of the water!

When I had cyano in my tank I always assumed it was because of high phosphate, but you have low phosphate and an ok nitrate level. If anything you should have a good chance of green algae.......not cyano.

I'm beginning to think that cyanobacteria is just an infection that will grow in any conditions. Feel free to blast this theory out of the water too!

 

[Nisha]

I'm beginning to think that cyanobacteria is just an infection that will grow in any conditions.

I think along the same lines. I see it as an infection that can be removed through antibiotics but can return through reintroduction via infected plants, water, nets, gravel etc. The conditions of the tank only become a factor if it's already in the there.

Random thought. I'm wondering if perhaps BGB is in our water supply. I know the in the Great Lakes area they have had problems with BGB and I wouldn't be surprised if it's coming in through the water system.

 

[iggy01]

Random thought. I'm wondering if perhaps BGB is in our water supply. I know the in the Great Lakes area they have had problems with BGB and I wouldn't be surprised if it's coming in through the water system.

It wouldn't surprise me either!

The only thing that was added to my tank before the cyano outbreak was water - during water changes.

There again, it could be airborne I suppose.

 

[donkey]

Have now got hold of some Maracyn . will let you know how it goes

 

[iggy01]

Have now got hold of some Maracyn . will let you know how it goes

I'm sure it will do the trick! You'll wish you'd got some right at the beginning.

I know I did!

 

[stevensdrs]

You should be seeing some results after 2 days DONKEY. Remember to clean out the dead BGA as you go along.
After 2 weeks I can report my tank is still spotless, the plants have never been healthier and the fish are all healthy too.

 

[donkey]

been using it for three days now. and im not sure if its dead ? dose it fall off the leaves .or do u have to rub it off

 

[guppygirl]

Yeah, I'm gonna get some tomorrow. Hopefully it will work!

 

[iggy01]

been using it for three days now. and im not sure if its dead ? dose it fall off the leaves .or do u have to rub it off

You should notice it changing colour as it dies.

You'll probably have to remove most of it yourself, but it should come off easily enough!

 

[stevensdrs]

Donkey. BGA tends to form a blanket across gravel, glass and generally anything in your tank. When you disturb it, normally it clumps together, then over a few hours starts to spread out again. If you have an algae on your plants and it doesnt just lift off, it is unlikely to be BGA.
After 3 days of treatment with Maracyn you would see a complete halt to the spreading out behaviour and most clumps turning brown. These clumps you should remove. After 5 days there should be no living BGA and no new growth.

 

[pritch]

Hello I just noticed a link from here to my site so thought i'd check it out
I own kno3.co.uk - potassiumnitrate.co.uk and have access too an array of chemicals. If you tell me the exact chemicals you guys are after I may be able to help out people in the uk and I also know sources throughout the world which I will happily give if I know they sell the chemical.

Regards

David Pritchard