BGA is more of a bacterial infection than an algea problem. (as stated above)
I had it covering about 1/2 of the substrate in my 125. I tried blackouts, and ferts, nothing worked. The ONLY way I got rid of it, and rid of it for good, was to use 1/2 dose of Maracyn for about 4 days. It hasnt been back since, and has been gone for over a year. So if you have it, and want it gone, the only sure fire thing I can suggest is treating it with antibiotics.
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/bacteria/cyanointro.html
Some info about cyano... Thanks for the input I am very aware of it being bacterial..but its not just bacterial. Its a hybrid algae bacteria.
And in marine dear god do we have to battle this thing often. Thanks to our lighting.
The Nuke (medication) does work. And I don't deny it does. It is a temporary fix. And I believe you had did some maintenance on the tank the contributed to keeping it gone.
To treat for it with antibiotics is fine. I also know from lots of experiences with other tanks that it can be handled without the use of antibiotics. The combination of (red slime remover for marine) and my advise and parameters is a one two punch to the mouth on that stuff. Sometimes I had to help another marine users tank this way cause his problem was so bad.
The blackouts probably had it reduce but soon as lights hit it came back didn't it? (before medication) The root problem you resolved by maintenance and you dealt with the initial symptoms with the antibiotics.
I know for sure that cyano can be kept at bay with holding very strict water parameters. Nonplanted tanks can do it easyer than planted. The reduction of Phosphate to 0ppm and pushing nitrates so low that reading 10 or less will starve it out and holding those parameters will ensure no need of nukes =).
The root problems are usually this::::
A. Overfeeding ..not washing frozen foods off (phosphate heavy from juices).
B. Water sources being tap (phosphate heavy and or nitrate also)
C. Too long photoperiods
D. Poor tank maintenance in general which C falls into.
E. Lack of flow causing stagnant areas in the tank. (Detritus build up)
My usual treatments for problem tanks in my past and friends I have learned to not need to nuke anything unless its very very bad in rare instances.
1. Siphon out all you can
2. Huge water change using RO water
3. cutting back feeding and explaining the 5 min or less rule to them.
*5 min or less if food is still present you over fed*
4.Maintaining reduction of Phosphate
a. by using ro water
b. using phosban, rowaphos media
5. Improving flow positioning or adding to it.
That right there nips it in the bud every time. And with my new reef tank I have yet to even see it even appear.
I even tested out my tank. I purchased some LPS coral from a store that didn't have good salt knowledge. Saved it from its death... it was bleached and had cyano growing all over its body.
I placed it in my tank...next day all cyano not present. And it was turning green again (the bleached parts).
I hold strict controls on phosphate. I do use Ro water I make. I control my feeding. And I also have a lot of flow 4 powerheads..
I know I am marine tank user and we have our differences. But we do share some things in common. Algae and Cyano problems...they are pretty much the same for us. So I figure I share how I battle with it and how other Marine users battle with it.
PS. Hopefully I didn't come off being perceived as condescending.I only want to share methods of battling that junk. I also dont disagree with your use of bacteria nukes.(meds). But if I can avoid using them and suggest it I would. Which i did.
:thm:
