Subject: Blue-green algae
From: "Iain Miller"
Date: 8/5/2004 12:40 PM Central Daylight Time
Message-id:


"Joe Barta" wrote in message
. com...
Figured I'd throw this into USENET for posterity...

Used Mardel's Maracyn tablets to combat blue-green algae. Dosage as
instructed on package. Cleared it up easily. The blue-green algae came
back several months later, another treatment worked like a charm.

Freshwater, 55 gal tank, fish & live plants.

Note... use Maracyn, NOT Maracyn II.

Also an observation... the algae seemed to take hold during a heat
wave. Maybe likes a tank that's a little too warm?

- - - -
Blue-green algae desription: More of a creeping coating than an algae.
Coats plants, gravel and some surfaces. Has a deep green color with
slightly bluish cast. Almost reminds me of thick cobwebs. Easily
brushed/vacuumed off most surfaces... comes off in clumps. No matter
how much it's physically removed, it seems to keep coming back.
(Maracyn treatment wipes it out though)

Cyanobacteria - its not an Algae at all but a Bacteria which is why the
Maracyn will kill it (being an anti-biotic). FWIW a 3/4 dose for about 3
days will usually be enough to kill it off.

Causes of BGA are widely debated - some suggest looking to things like
excess Nitrates & Phosphates.


The source isn't always inside the tank.
BGA can also be brought in from outside sources.