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Treatments

Chemical Treatments and Dosage

⚠️ Warning: Chemical treatments should be used as a last resort. Always identify and correct the root cause first.

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)

UsageDosageMethodPrecautions
General Treatment1–2 mL/100 LTurn off the filter for 30 minutes, then add slowlyNot with shrimp or sensitive corals
Direct application3% tobaccoSyringe on the algae, filter offOnly in specific areas
Treatment Outside the Aquarium3% H₂O₂ (undiluted)Soak the part for 3–5 minutesRinse thoroughly before reintroducing

Glutaraldehyde (Easy Carbo, Excel, TNC Carbon)

UsageDosageMethodPrecautions
Maintenance dose1 mL per 100 L per dayDistribute throughout the aquariumNot with shrimp in high doses
Loading dose2–3 mL per 100 LFilter off for 30 minDo not use in marine aquariums with corals
Direct Application (BBA/GSA)UndilutedSyringe on the algae, filter off for 20 minThe BBA turns pink when it dies

Erythromycin (antibiotic for cyanobacteria)

DosageMethodPrecautions
200 mg/100 LDissolve and add at sunset for 3 daysDESTROYS nitrifying bacteria. Monitor NH₃. Do not use with invertebrates. Perform a large water change at the end.

Fluconazole (for Bryopsis marina)

DosageMethodPrecautions
10–20 mg/100 LAdd to the sump; simultaneous 24-hour darknessNot with sea cucumbers—some echinoderms. Perform a major water change beforehand. The process takes 2–4 weeks.

KNO₃ / KH₂PO₄ (for GSA and Dinos — to boost nutrients)

UsageRecommended dosageObjective
Increase PO₄ for GSAKH₂PO₄: 0.3 g/100 L = +1 ppm PO₄PO₄ > 0.1 ppm in planted tanks
Increasing NO₃ for DinosKNO₃: 1 g/100 L = +6 ppm NO₃NO₃ 5–10 ppm in seawater

Quick Reference Summary Table

ColorTextureWaterProbable Alga
Dusty brownIt comes off easilySweet/MarinaDiatoms
Fine, dusty greenIt comes in sheetsSweetGDA (green dust)
Dark green, circular spotsHard, adheringSweetGSA (green spot)
Light green, soft highlightsIt rolls up easilySweet/MarinaGHA (hair algae)
Black/dark gray, streaksVery thick, beardSweetBBA (Black Beard)
Light gray, Y-shapedRigid, fragileSweetStaghorn
Blue-green/red, mantleGelatinous, strong odorSweet/MarinaCyanobacteria
Opaque green waterNot visible (suspended)SweetGreen Water
Emerald green, featherySoft, chewyMarinaBryopsis
Golden brown with bubblesMucilaginous, with gasMarinaDinoflagellates
Bright green, spheresHard, smooth bubbleMarinaWallonia
Pink/purple, hard crustIncrustant, limestoneMarinaCCA (preferred)