Cyanobacteria, also known "red slime algae" is a common problem in reef aquariums. Many hobbyists
experience an outbreak of this bacteria when they first set up their tanks. There are some fairly
simple ways to get rid of the cyanobacteria, but first lets look at exactly what it is.
Cyanobacteria have been around for at least 3.5 billion years. They are a photosynthetic bacteria
and are considered by scientists to be one of the most important groups of bacteria on earth. The by
product of the cyanobacterias photosynthesis is oxygen. It is thought that the current composition of
the atmosphere today is due to the photosynthetic action of cyanobacteria millions of years ago.
Cyanobacteria is a single celled organism, but often grows into colonies that can be seen with the
naked eye. There are actually many forms of cyanobacteria and they range from blue/green (which is
the literal meaning of "cyanobacteria") to brown to red to maroon. The type seen most frequently in
marine aquariums is the maroon variety.
Getting rid of cyanobacteria is actually a fairly simple process. The method I will outline here is one
that I have used several times with great success.
experience an outbreak of this bacteria when they first set up their tanks. There are some fairly
simple ways to get rid of the cyanobacteria, but first lets look at exactly what it is.
Cyanobacteria have been around for at least 3.5 billion years. They are a photosynthetic bacteria
and are considered by scientists to be one of the most important groups of bacteria on earth. The by
product of the cyanobacterias photosynthesis is oxygen. It is thought that the current composition of
the atmosphere today is due to the photosynthetic action of cyanobacteria millions of years ago.
Cyanobacteria is a single celled organism, but often grows into colonies that can be seen with the
naked eye. There are actually many forms of cyanobacteria and they range from blue/green (which is
the literal meaning of "cyanobacteria") to brown to red to maroon. The type seen most frequently in
marine aquariums is the maroon variety.
Getting rid of cyanobacteria is actually a fairly simple process. The method I will outline here is one
that I have used several times with great success.
As strange as it sounds, dosing with freshwater Maracyn
takes care of cyanobacteria outbreaks relatively quickly! I
have personally used this method in tanks packed with all
types of coral and clams and never had a problem. I
used it many times for small problems in my 28 gallon. In
tanks such as the one pictured above, where a major
outbreak is seen, remove as much of the cyano as
possible before dosing. The cyano grows in sheets that
often have bubbles of oxygen under them. With just a
small amount of work, they will release and the entire
sheet will float to the surface. Remove the sheet and
dispose of it.
Dosing Maracyn carefully is important to insure that no
harm is done to the livestock. I have used one tablet per
35 gallons and found it to be both safe and effective.
Repeat the dose every 2 days until no sign of the cyano
is left.
takes care of cyanobacteria outbreaks relatively quickly! I
have personally used this method in tanks packed with all
types of coral and clams and never had a problem. I
used it many times for small problems in my 28 gallon. In
tanks such as the one pictured above, where a major
outbreak is seen, remove as much of the cyano as
possible before dosing. The cyano grows in sheets that
often have bubbles of oxygen under them. With just a
small amount of work, they will release and the entire
sheet will float to the surface. Remove the sheet and
dispose of it.
Dosing Maracyn carefully is important to insure that no
harm is done to the livestock. I have used one tablet per
35 gallons and found it to be both safe and effective.
Repeat the dose every 2 days until no sign of the cyano
is left.
Most fish stores carry this medicine and it is also available at places like Wal-Mart and Meijer. It usually
costs $7-$8 for a small box.
costs $7-$8 for a small box.
| If you have more info on cyanobacteria and its treatment and would like to see it included in this page, contact me. |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Cyanobacteria
