Paper looking slime

[Jeffed76]

I don’t know what it is, but I know I don’t like it! Any idea what it is and how to kill it? I’ve been vacuuming it up but it keeps coming back.

Aquarium info: 20 long, 2 tetras, 5 cherry shrimp, and planted (lots of Java moss with som grass slowly starting to grow)

 

[fishorama]

Cyano bacteria AKA blue/geen algae. Vaccuum! & dose...something I can't think of right now, sorry, brain fart.

 

[Jeffed76]

Thanks for the ID! Will a UV light in the filter help or is there a fish that will eat it? Is this stuff safe for shrimp? https://www.chewy.com/tetra-no-more...MIsKaMktv04wIVSrzACh1MqwpJEAQYASABEgIZq_D_BwE

 

[OrionGirl]

You need to address the cause. There isn't anything that eats it. Manual removal and nutrient control will help, as will adding circulation--it only builds up in low flow areas.

There are lots of 'cures' sold, but many of them have serious impact on your beneficial bacteria. I'd try non-additive options first.

 

[FreshyFresh]

Just to add to the above advice, what type of lighting and how long do you keep it on?

 

[ustabefast]

This stuff works:

Amazon.com : Ultralife Blue Green Slime Stain Remover : Aquarium Treatments : Pet Supplies

Amazon.com : Ultralife Blue Green Slime Stain Remover : Aquarium Treatments : Pet Supplies

www.amazon.com

As the others said, you will also need to address the root cause, which is probably excessives nutrients, and do extra water changes while treating.

 

[samwoodblack]

I think that you should change lights

 

[Sploke]

I battled this stuff in a tank a long time ago for months. I think it must have been something leaching out of whatever substrate I used, but I was vacuuming this crap up every day, cutting way back on feeding, etc. I think eventually I ended up breaking down the tank, cleaning the whole thing and replacing the substrate, which was pretty easy on a 10gal.

As others have said, cut back on food, cut back on your photoperiod, and do lots of water changes and vacuum out as much of that stuff as you can get every time, and eventually you should beat it.

 

[the loach]

lol 2 tetras and 5 shrimp in a heavily planted 20 G? Test your water, it could easily be lack of nitrates.
No big deal though. Provide proper conditions for the plants, and increase flow and the plants will outcompete it.
Check pH/KH/CO2/NO3/PO4.