thx guys, i already introduced bga from plant nursery without issue, my co2 is perfect, i might avoid doing that though, i have other moss in that tank and i won't risk to bother them. That algae is stubborn, bba would have been much easier to manage =)It depends on the conditions in your tank. If it’s established without many algae issues it could just as well clear up by itself.
However, JP has point, there is always a risk it could spread. Try a search in Google using UKAPS, moss, blue green algae and Cyanobacteria, see what comes up.
Do some research of your own, as well as taking advice from here. And then make an informed decision.
Hi Everyone,Do some research of your own, as well as taking advice from here. And then make an informed decision.
What ,@Hanuman says. Just wash it under the cold tap in a sieve etc. You can use quite a lot of water pressure.Hello, my nephew gave me some moss, there is some blue green algae on it, i was thinking to put it in 1 liters of water with glutaraldehyde but i don't know which dosage and duration is safe ? any idea ? thx
Hi @HanumanBGA is in most tanks (if not all) even if it's not visible.
Does't mean you should go and add whatever in your tank if you don't feel like it.
If you feel the need to treat it, then like Hanuman pointed out, an antibiotic treatment makes a lot more sense than gluteraldehyde.
If you are asking me if I tested 100's of tank to support what I said, I haven't and to be honest I think it's just not necessary. There is a more direct way to assess this, which is that cyanobacteria is virtually in every water body on this planet, that it's been with us for a good 2.7 billion years and still thriving and also that it can be airborne and can survive the harshest environments.May I ask - what evidence do you have in support of the above? In particular, if it's not visible, what are you using to detect its presence?
Yes over 2000 species. Many times over it is beyond your control what you are adding in your tank because of the reasons I stated above (contaminated soil, fish, plants etc). There is no way you can guarantee what you have in your tanks at any given moment.In my experience, it's generally best not to add any magic potions. Getting the balance of nutrients, pH and water hardness (GH) correct should keep things in check. But, it may not be a case of 'one size fits all'. It's easy to overlook the fact that there are many species of Cyanobacteria - even within the same Genus.
You can smell it, if your tank has a <"slightly earthy">, pondy smell, <"however faint">, that is from the Cyanobacteria.May I ask - what evidence do you have in support of the above? In particular, if it's not visible, what are you using to detect its presence?
Yes, agree with @Hanuman , all liquid water, that isn't from a DI unit, or very heavily chlorinated, has Cyanobacteria present.Even without prior testing a tank I would be willing to bet 100:1 there is cyanobacteria in there. As for what species is present, I have no clue, one would definitely need to test for that. This said, there are many direct pathways for cyanobacteria to get into a tank, all of which happen either very regularly or at some point in time: ............ IMO, the probability for having a tank without cyanobacteria is extremely slim.
Yes, they are like <"Diatoms">, or the <"Green Algae">, universal where ever there is liquid water and light.There is a more direct way to assess this, which is that cyanobacteria is virtually in every water body on this planet, that it's been with us for a good 2.7 billion years and still thriving and also that it can be airborne and can survive the harshest environments.
Yes, not legal in the UK, for <"very good reasons">.It would be very wise to check the legality and use of fish antibiotics and other treatments throughout Europe.
Yes and an unpleasant smell if I say so myself. When my tank has episode of BGA I can smell it only by smelling the water surface and it's not like my tank is covered by BGA, there are only small patches between the glass and the substrate.You can smell it, if your tank has a <"slightly earthy">, pondy smell, <"however faint">, that is from the Cyanobacteria.
Oh yes! That musty smell! I'm also battling cyano atm and I could smell it several days before it appeared.Hi all,
You can smell it, if your tank has a <"slightly earthy">, pondy smell, <"however faint">, that is from the Cyanobacteria.
Yes, agree with @Hanuman , all liquid water, that isn't from a DI unit, or very heavily chlorinated, has Cyanobacteria present.
Yes, they are like <"Diatoms">, or the <"Green Algae">, universal where ever there is liquid water and light.
Yes, not legal in the UK, for <"very good reasons">.
cheers Darrel
But obviously all the above is just my opinion based on an educated guess so I have no issue people questioning me since there is no absolute truth.
IMO, the probability for having a tank without cyanobacteria is extremely slim. Our tanks are not water treatment plants with chlorine and other highly sophisticated means to eradicate whatever life-form there is in the water.
Hi @dw1305You can smell it, if your tank has a <"slightly earthy">, pondy smell, <"however faint">, that is from the Cyanobacteria.
Possible but I would bet again here that the very large majority of planted tanks don't have UV lamps and don't actually need one.A tank in which a UV-C sterilizer is used could potentially have no living cyanobacteria.
Perhaps, but any tank with active aquasoil/clay based substrate will have more than enough iron for BGA to thrive.And, tanks in which there is negligible* iron would not be able to support cyanobacteria growth.
It's pretty much alive cyanobacteria. When you touch it green, even after washing your hand you'll have the smell stick. It's pretty strong. Once I treat it with hydrogen peroxide the smell is gone in a day.I have a hunch that the smell you are detecting may be from dead/decomposing cyanobacteria. If I'm right, then removal of it should go some way to controlling it. Only very rarely have I been aware of the smell that you are describing.
Hi @FrankRMost probably other bacteria/organisms keeps it in check.
Hi @HanumanIt's pretty much alive cyanobacteria.
In my case it comes and goes, usually during the hotter periods of the year here in Thailand but that's about it. Always at the same spot between the glass and substrate. Never goes beyond that.OK, it would appear that you have Cyano pretty much under control.