Expert: Chris Robbins - 9/1/2007

Question
I have green slime and after numerous attempts at cleaning I realize I need some assistance.  The local pet store owner couldn't help but thought that Ultralife Red Slime Remover would help.  After two bottles ($20 ea/). , the slime is still here.  Is erythimycin in the red slime remover and if not what product can I ask for?

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Chris;

Cyanobacteria can indeed be difficult to get rid of, as you now know. It helps to vacuum the gravel frequently and not to overfeed your fish or overcrowd the tank. Excess waste feeds it. I am not familiar with those two products you mentioned but erythromycin can be purchased all by itself if you want to try it. It is the main ingredient in two products commonly found in fish stores; regular "Maracyn" and "E.M. Tabs". Keep in mind that use of any antibiotic in your tank to treat infection can kill some or all of the beneficial bacteria too. Some of the labels say they don't, but it simply isn't true. They can indeed affect the beneficial bacteria.

Here are two web pages with more information and additional tips on methods for controlling cyanobacteria;

http://mikes-machine.mine.nu/algae_gallery.htm#Cyanobacterium_1

http://naturalaquariums.com/plantedtank/0608.html

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins