How to correct a bacteria bloom?

StikHedRon · Jan 15, 2014

As the post says, I have some snotty looking algae that seems to be bacterial. It is only located in a few areas of the tank and has been there for quite a while, maybe 6-8 months. What do you do to get rid of or cure a bacteria bloom. I have some MB7, would heavy doses of this correct the problem. Kinda like fighting fire with fire. Or does something else need to be done?

StikHedRon · Jan 15, 2014

Here is a pic of the infected area that I'm trying to correct. This is not on all my rocks but a specific area of the tank.

Reefing Madness · Jan 15, 2014

Mystery of the White Reef Slime | Coral Magazine
Mystery of the White Reef Slime, Part II | Coral Magazine
Mystery of the White Reef Slime: Part III | Coral Magazine

StikHedRon · Jan 15, 2014

Reefing Madness, thanks for all the help. Do you know if Dr Tim is on Reef2Reef?

Reefing Madness · Jan 15, 2014

I will ask the guys.

revhtree · Jan 15, 2014

I believe he is. Let me page him! HA!

Eienna · Jan 15, 2014

Our temporary housemates were using body sprays and such in the bedroom, where my freshwater tank is. I had a horrible outbreak of the slime but nobody believes me that it's the cause >.<

StikHedRon · Jan 15, 2014

Reefing Madness said:
I will ask the guys.

Thank you!

revhtree said:
I believe he is. Let me page him! HA!

Thanks Rev!

Eienna said:
Our temporary housemates were using body sprays and such in the bedroom, where my freshwater tank is. I had a horrible outbreak of the slime but nobody believes me that it's the cause >.<

Have you been able to get the issue corrected?

Eienna · Jan 15, 2014

ronhaskovec said:
Have you been able to get the issue corrected?

Only because they moved out. Mom still lights scented candles next to my reef, though, and she calls me paranoid.

Eienna · Jan 15, 2014

Haha! Mentioned the article and she finally believes me. XD

beaslbob · Jan 16, 2014

I would just kill the lights and suspend feedings for awhile until that dies off.

then resume with less lighting and feeding and adjust so the bad does not come back and other things thrive.

my .02

RoOfDiVr · Jan 21, 2014

beaslbob said:
I would just kill the lights and suspend feedings for awhile until that dies off.

then resume with less lighting and feeding and adjust so the bad does not come back and other things thrive.

my .02

I wouldn't necessarily kill the "lights" but maybe cut the time in half. I believe overfeeding is the problem, usually is with most slime.
G/L!!

backpack · Jan 22, 2014

API algae fix marine works. I went lights out for a week but it didn't help. But the API stuff worked in three days. I don't normally resort to chemicals but when it comes to a point that stuff works.

StikHedRon · Jan 22, 2014

Thanks everyone, I am going to address this as a bacteria outbreak and going to use Dr Tims apporoach to this that he has on his website. I will keep everyone posted on how the outcome is. I am only 2 doses into the refresh right now and will be doing the 3rd tomorrow.

Dr Tims Refresh - 60 ml every 3 days for a total of 4 treatments then I will switch to..

Dr Tims Waste away - Full dosage amount will be 120ml but I will begin with 1/4 of that amount for a total of 30ml I will dose this 72hrs after final dosage of Refresh.
After 1st dose I will wait 48 hrs then dose 60ml then every other day increase by 1/4 dose until full dosage amount is reached. I will then dose full amount every other day for 2 weeks. I'm hoping this works and I will keep everyone updated as it progresses.

StikHedRon · Jan 28, 2014

I have completed the treatment of the tank with Dr. Tims Re-fresh. No visable improvements to the tank. I will be beginning the Waste Away tonight when I get home. I will continue this dose for 2 weeks. I will update this post as time goes by to see if this was successful or not.

Intricateart · Jan 28, 2014

6 to 8 months? Are you sure it isn't sponge.Sprays and candles can adversely effect a reef tank but the result is usually cyano(red/maroon).Is it just on your rocks and do those rocks have any other life on them. I would just remove the affected items,as I do not like to add any chemicals other than buffers. The scented candle right next to the tank has to be bad for it though. Just think of it like dosing "vanilla" or other scents directly into your reef.

StikHedRon · Jan 28, 2014

Yes this is just on my rocks and it is not a sponge, as it is slimmy and clumpy in some spots. and overall my rocks just look fuzzy so to say. I personally don't have candles right next to the tank I believe that was someone else on this post..