(Tom J. Pappas) wrote in
om:

I have a question about my freshwater aquarium, that I'm hoping
someone can answer. I've had it up and going for 10 years. The last 3
or 4 months, I've had a problem with a slimy green algae. It grows on
the artificial plants, driftwood, rocks, and gravel. I have no real
plants.

I clean the tank once per month. I remove about 30% of the water. Then
I stir up the gravel and vacuum it. After that I wipe the glass. I
empty and clean the carbon container, add fresh charcoal, and replace
the foam sleeve. Water temp is a constant 78 degrees.

I just did all of the above 3 days ago and algae is already forming
again!!!

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Tom

I have eliminated some strains of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), by
treating with the antibiotic erythromycin (available in the fish trade
under the brand name Maracyn, among others). But some strains seem to be
resistant to this treatment. Of course, use antibiotics carefully to
avoid creating resistant strains yourself.

Meph