Sterilize for BGA w/ harming shrimp?

skewlboy · Post by **skewlboy** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 10:29 pm

So talked to the guy at the LFS about possibly using erythromycin for getting rid of the BGA in my 45 gal tank. He was not really into that one, instead he wanted to sell me the $300 UV sterilizer saying that this was the best option along w/ weekly water changes (which aren't helping).

Both my 10 gal tanks went through a rough patch w/ BGA but are not 100% free. Using same water and same percent change weekly.

Getting frustrated but don't want to end up killing the shrimp.

So is the UV sterilizer the answer or is there something else?

Neonshrimp · Post by **Neonshrimp** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 10:55 pm

I think the olive nerites might be safer but not sure of the effectiveness. Please see this link:

viewtopic.php?t=1725&highlight=bga

Neonshrimp · Post by **Neonshrimp** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 11:02 pm

I also did a search on BGA and found this link on medication vs. BGA:

viewtopic.php?t=199&highlight=bga

Hope this helps

YuccaPatrol · Post by **YuccaPatrol** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 9:04 am

I wouldn't consider any chemical or medication treatments before trying more passive strategies for removing BGA.

I have always been successful with a simple 4 day blackout. Here is my method:

1) Do a large water change to reduce the level of nutrients that the BGA is feeding on

2) Completely cover your tank with thick blankets, towels, tarps, garbage bags, or whatever you have that will ensure that absolutely no light get into the tank at all. This also means no peeking for the entire duration of the blackout.

3) Leave the tank covered for 4 nights and do not peek or feed during this time.

4) When you unveil the tank, the BGA will almost certainly be gone gone gone!

5) Do another water change to remove any accumulated waste products from the BGA disappearing.

6) Go spend the money you would have spent on medications on something nice for your shrimp!

badflash · Post by **badflash** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 9:29 am

Break as much loose as you can and filter it out, then keep up with the water changes to minimize the nitrates & phosphates. Nerites won't eat this stuff unless they have nothing else to eat. I'm finding both the MTS and nerites eat it when there is nothing else. Reduce lighting to 4 hours a day.

Until you get the bulk of it out and deny the nutrient source, it is a losing proposition. Getting rid of it without bombing the tank takes time.