FW Maracyn for SW Red slime?

[Reefguide]

At the LFS today I was told to drop one 200mg tablet of Maracyn (antibiotic) for Red Slime. They assured me that they use it all the time in Reef tank using Refugiums/Ecosystems. Active ingredient is 200mg of erythromycin. What do you guys think?

 

[Anonymous]

don't.

your lfs is recommending treating the symptom, and not the problem.

all antibiotics impact on biofiltration systems.

cyano can develop resistance to e-mycin-i've seen it happen.

e-mycin will make your skimmer go crazy.

the cyano will prob'ly come back, if you don't correct what caused it to thrive in the first place

hth

 

[Anonymous]

if you still insist on trying, however,-here's the treatment method that will ensure maximum effect/wipeout of the cyano:

add 1 200-250 mg. tablet(you can get emycin tabs through aquarium pharmaceuticals in a blister pack-safer than the mardel stuff) per each 10 gal. net of system volume.

stop carbon and skimmer filtration.

when cyano starts to turn gray,do 50% water change and re-dose.leave emycin in system for at least 7-10 days, to ensure/minimize chance of developing resistance to the e-mycin by the cyano.

then do 50% change again and run carbon-wait a few days, and restart skimmer slowly-it may still want to overskim.

then go look for a better lfs :wink:

 

[Reefguide]

Well I think what started it (since the algea is only in fuge) is I was using too "yellow" of a light. Went to a PC 880K now. That should correct the problem I think. I want to get rid of whats in there now. Should I just wait to see what happens with the new lighting?

 

[Anonymous]

the lighting is only one part of the problem-you must also adress the nutrients issue-i.e., nitrate, and phosphate.try using a phosphate sponge-when used correctly, they can eliminate the cyano w/in a month.though this is still only a symptom solver. :wink:

what are your nitrate and phosphate levels now?

 

[Reefguide]

All my params are perfect. Nitrates, Nitrites, phos, ph, alk, Ca, ect...

 

[Anonymous]

i'd suggest you try using phosguard, or the equivalent, for awhile, and see what happens.
(this should help steal the little bit of PO4 still in your system, and help starve the cyano)

hth

 

[Reefguide]

I hate it when I'm stupid... Whats phosguard? Similar to Carbon?

 

[Anonymous]

it's a phosphate 'sponge'(but yeah, similiar in function-it's an absorber specific to PO4, and also will help remove silicate).i believe it's made by kent.i've recommended it to many folks, for both fresh and saltwater algae problems, and it usually got excellent results, though it takes some time.

fwiw-have you tested your carbon for phosphate?

 

[REEFDAZE]

If the cyno is only in the fuge and doesn't spread to the show tank, IMO I believe it is actually working for you removing nutrients etc,just a thought !

 

[Anonymous]

REEFDAZE-

you are correct, but it can also spread to the tank via the water column, and it's better to eliminate that nutrient surplus which causes it to survive. the cyano is a 'red light' indicator of the need to improve, however slightly it may be necessary,the management of waste production, which will lead to an even healthier tank :wink:

 

[REEFDAZE]

Vitz totally agree, but cyano doesn't always survive in the man tank because of diffrent lighting increased water flow etc etc.I do agree with tackling the source though,but I also feel cyano in the sump/fuge helps speed up the burning off the excess nutrients,I see the cyano in the fuge as stealing po4 from the show tank,combine this with improved practises and your well on your way, all the best reefguide, cheers Daz

 

[Reefguide]

have you tested your carbon for phosphate?

Nope, But I was going to toss it anyways. I was only using it to clear up my water.