help with slimey looking algy in my 25 gal fresh water setup

Brendan · July 22, 2012, 03:45:58 PM

Hello I need some help with my tank setup it's been running for about 4 to 5 months now I have a mini canister filter on it for a 20 gal tank and a overhanging filter for a 20 gal tank as well as a bubblier/gravel filter as for my lighting I have a Marine land led setup and a lid reflector for a 10 gal with plant capable 25 Wat bulbs in them for the live plants in the tank

The algey in the tank seems to be attaching to the plants and kinda ways in the current when I do a water change I try to suck it all up but it comes back what could be causing this

As well I have 3 fish in the tank double red agassizi's 1 male 2 female

Thanks for the help

dpatte · July 22, 2012, 04:57:52 PM

Is it bluish green algae that keeps coming back, and has a strong 'greenish' odor?

Brendan · July 22, 2012, 05:03:26 PM

K there's much of an oder but it's real slumy there if a bit of a smell I guess but it's not making my tank amell bad atleast not yet

dpatte · July 22, 2012, 05:37:23 PM

blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) has a distinctive odor. It is mostly harmless to the fish, but it can smother the plants, and looks horrid and slimy-mushy, and can't just be scartped off, because it will return again in a few days.

There is only ONE foolproof cure for it. The tank needs TOTAL darkness for 2 weeks. i would wrap my tanks in cardboard all sides, AND TOP and turn off all light on the tank. The slightest bit of light and it will stay. Then after two weeks unwrap the tank. The algae will be gone and wont return.

pm · July 22, 2012, 05:50:32 PM

Erythromycin will kill it also, if it is blue-green algae. You can get it at most pet stores

dpatte · July 22, 2012, 05:54:06 PM

true, but that may affect some of your fish. Go Natural!

pm · July 22, 2012, 08:14:32 PM

Quote from: dpatte on July 22, 2012, 05:54:06 PM
true, but that may affect some of your fish. Go Natural!

Good point. Always good to go non chem if you can. Just another option if all else fails.

exv152 · July 22, 2012, 08:58:41 PM

As with any algae the best approach is to get to the root cause. BGA comes mainly from low nitrates and poor water circulation.

Brendan · July 23, 2012, 11:57:52 AM

I see that is great info everyone thanks allot I do have lots of flow in my tank I have a mini canister on ti with a spray bar it's great I recomend one for anyone who has a small 25 gal tank comes with everything u need

I have a question for wrapping up mu tank in total darkness won't the fish and snales in the tank be affected by 2 weeks of no lighting?

exv152 · July 24, 2012, 09:05:10 AM

Remove as much as you can manually and add some KNO3 to bring your nitrates up. The recommended average time for a blackout is 3-4 days, not two weeks.

dpatte · July 26, 2012, 01:14:18 AM

My experience is that the BGA will come back under any circumstance except if the tank is wrapped up for two weeks. The fish, plants and snails will all do fine during that time, but you could add a tiny opening to feed them if you are concerned.