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Blue Green Algae
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[edit] About Blue Green Algae
BGA is short for Blue Green Algae. Also known as Slime or Smear Algae. It can be seen in the typical blue-green colour but will also occur in brown.
This 'algae' is actually cyanobacteria (this bacteria obtains its energy through photosynthesis). It forms blue-green slime areas that will cover everything in a very short time. If left to over-run the tank, cyanobacteria will kill plants and fish (some species of cyanobacteria produce toxins in the water so care should be taken in removing it).
[edit] Causes
BGA is generally caused by:
- Excess waste
- Poor water quality
- Excess light
[edit] Treatment
BGA is notoriously hard to get rid of. No animals will eat it, it's can be toxic. It can fix its own nitrogen, so depriving it of macro nutrients (N, P or K) through water changes usually has no effect on controlling it. Even a tiny bit left after manual removal will mean it can multiply.
You can use anti-bacteria medication such as erythromycin, however prolonged treatment with this can cause the BGA to form an immunity against it.
Direct application by Hydrogen peroxide can kill it locally.
A 48 hour blackout of the tank, with no feeding can help also.
