Reef-safe Meds

[SalTee]

I have a question- is there any medications available that are safe for SPS, Zoos, and soft corals that can wipe out slime algae? My tank has developed a rather severe case and I've heard some things about antibiotics such as erethromiacin that can safely be added. Naturally, though, I hold the idea of adding anything medicated to my tank in extreme suspicion, and I don't really care to try without some advice. Any help is appreciated.

[Ninong]

When you use erythromycin and other antibiotics, it's not the corals that you have to be concerned about.

I don't recommend using any antibiotics in a reef tank but maybe that's just me. I especially wouldn't bother using them to fight cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria can only be dealt with effectively long-term by eliminating the underlying causes.

Do a search using "cyanobacteria" as your search word and you will find quite a few previous threads on this topic.

[returnofsid]

The best ways to get rid of cyanobacteria are to increase flow in the effected areas, manually remove as much as you can and limit your light cycle. Increasing flow will have a very dramatic and positive effect. I wouldn't EVER add any medications or chemicals to a reef tank.

[showfish]

I have used a program of two 10% water changes per week to starve out Cyano outbreaks. This program works great. Basically what you are doing is starving the bacteria of any useable nutrients it needs to fuel it. You will see a dramatic decrease within the first two weeks using this program, and after the third week your Cyano will disappear. Sometimes with bad outbreaks you may need to go four weeks. After the bacteria have disappeared, you can go back to your regular water change schedule. In the mean time make sure you have good flow in your system (no dead spots), and try to find the root of your problem. I also would not recommend any chemical solutions (reef safe or not) some of these products can reek havoc with your biological filtration system, and only temporarily solve the problem. Look for the root of your problem excessive nutrients, lack of flow, over-feeding, ect.. and you will succeed in your battle with this nasty pest.