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Cyanobacteria,
commonly referred to as slime algae, are a leading cause of
destruction in a well-established reef tank. Slime algae often
form long cell chains that result in a blanket-like slime that
covers everything in the aquarium. Since it reproduces asexually
by cell division, it takes over the tank very rapidly. It is
usually a dark green to a dark red and starts out as a small
dark spot on the bottom of the aquarium or on the rocks. A slime
algae bloom is difficult to get rid of until the core issue
or source of the problem is dealt with. If the condition(s)
that is causing the algae to form is not fully evaluated and
solved, the problem will persist, and the unsightly algae will
not fully disappear.
A slime algae outbreak is typically caused
by a sudden change in the aquarium. If too many fish are introduced
into the aquarium within a short period of time, the quick addition
of nitrogen gas will feed the algae. As light bulbs get older,
the spectrum will change, and often supply the right type of
light to feed the cyanobacteria. Normally, slime algae are caused
by an accumulation of nutrients and biological imbalance from
the result of poor filtration, over feeding, or high bio load.
Cyanobacteria have even been noted to enter the aquarium as
spores from the air.
There are only a few known species of invertebrates
that have been reported to eat slime algae; red-legged hermit
crabs, black turbo snails, and red collar snails. Another way of dealing with the
slime algae is to turn all lights-out for five days. This does
not always work, because if the light bulb’s spectrum
is feeding the cyanobacteria, after the five days of darkness,
the slime will come right back. If the lights are the primary
factor of the slime algae the only way to fix it is to change
the bulbs. Another option is the use of chemical solutions that
are designed to get rid of slime algae. Any antibacterial solution
will kill it; however, this will also take out the rest of the
biological filter in the aquarium, which will lead to more problems
than just the slime algae. Poly-Ox is a non-antibacterial
chemical that can kill the slime algae; however, this does not always
work by itself depending on the severity of the outbreak.
Sometimes, a combination of the methods
works best, using the Poly-Ox, as well as
turning off the lights or siphoning out the slime.
There are some fundamental steps to keep your tank cyano free.
The first is to make sure the lighting is adequate and proper.
Bulbs with the correct spectrum promote growth of beneficial
algae that will inhibit slime algae. (Remember that bulbs can
lose their spectrum in as little as six months.) The second
is to make sure there is adequate filtration. A protein skimmer
is highly recommended along with enough water flow to prevent
stagnant areas. The third is to keep the water quality exceptional.
Finally, unfiltered tap water is highly discouraged. Correct
water parameters should be maintained and tested regularly along
with frequent water changes. A high alkalinity will help prevent
unwanted algae from growing. The occasional use of carbon and
phosphate removers will also help keep the nutrients in the
tank down which will greatly reduce the likelihood
of a cyano bloom.
In the end, the condition(s) that is causing
the slime algae needs to be dealt with. Do not become frustrated
if a solution is not achieved overnight. Patience and persistence
are your best allies.
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