Water Molds

[lpfanatic2003]

I'm having to do 100% water changes and full cleaning on 3 of my tanks DAILY because of a slime that is forming on the bottom as well as on the top of the water. What I am wondering is if there is anything I can do to stop the cycle, I'm sure the constant water changes and transfers from their tanks to the cups and back is causing more than enough stress and I don't want to continue to have to put them through this. The weird thing is that it is only happening on 3 of my 5 tanks and seems to even completely skip one.

[shellieca]

What do you mean stop the cycle? Are you asking if the 100% water changes will crash the cycle or are you refering to the cycle of the slime? What size tanks do you have? How long are the lights on each day? Are the tanks located near a window? What kind of slime are you talking about? Can you post a pic?

[polukoff]

Sounds like it's beneficial bacteria growth.

[shellieca]

Originally Posted by polukoff

Sounds like it's beneficial bacteria growth.

Not if its slimey & visible, at least not in my experience.

[polukoff]

Originally Posted by shellieca

Not if its slimey & visible, at least not in my experience.

The slime is algae, the bacteria live inside of it.

Other Names: Blue-Green algae, Smear algae
Color: Blue-green, may also be brown or black.
Appearance
Very slimy, when disturbed comes off in sheets. Grows quickly and covers all surfaces in the aquarium, often giving off an unpleasant swampy or fishy odor.

Cause:
Cyanobacteria
High levels of organic wastes
Anaerobic conditions

Also referred to as slime or smear algae, blue-green algae is actually the organism cyanobacteria. Overgrowth of this organism generally occurs when there are high levels of dissolved wastes and nutrients in the water.

This may be due to lack of water changes and regular maintenance, overfeeding, or because the tank is new and the beneficial bacterial colonies have not become established. However, because cyanobacteria can fix it's own nitrogen, it can appear even in a well maintained matured tank.

Cure:
Physical removal
Clean tank well
Partial water change
200 mg erythromycin phosphate/10 gallons water
Once established, blue-green algae is difficult to eradicate. It can initially be removed by scraping the glass, scrubbing gravel and plants, and vacuuming the substrate. However, the algae will soon return, especially if the underlying causes are not corrected. Regular ongoing water changes and maintenance will delay and sometimes eliminate reoccurrence.
Treatment with erythromycin will eliminate the bacteria causing the slime. However, use of erythromycin can also affect the beneficial bacteria in the aquarium, and should be used with care. If such treatment is used, monitor ammonia and nitrite levels closely for several weeks.
Note: Algae eaters do not eat cyanobacteria.

[polukoff]

In a clean aquarium it usually only grows at the water's surface.