how do I disinfect my mystery snails to prevent cyanobacteria from infecting new tank

[allis64]

I have three mystery snails in a ten gallon tank that I want to move into my main tank. My problem is that the ten gallon has a serious cyanobacteria problem. I broke down the tank and cleaned it all up and the smeary green stuff came right back. I don't want to infect my main tank with the stuff, but I do want to move the snails in. Can I treat the tanks or snails with erythromyacin or something to prevent this? I know snails are sensitive, so I don't want to do anything that might weaken them. Any advice?

 

[Kiara1125]

You can ask DanStevo, if he comes and looks at this thread. Earlier (not even that long ago, like a month or two maybe??) he had a cyano problem. Hopefully he can help. Do you know how your ten gallon got the cyano in the first place??

 

[allis64]

I don't know where it came from. I can't wait to get rid of it.*SICK*

 

[OrangeCones]

He used my blackout/water change method.

http://www.myfishtank.net/forum/fre.../64357-green-film-algae-not-normal-algae.html

 

[Lotus]

I don't think you can ever truly remove all possibility of cyanobacteria from any tank. It will come in from your tapwater, the air, etc. The problem happens when tank conditions are ideal for the cyano and it multiplies/gets out of control. I'd just rinse off the snails in some water from a clean tank and add them to the other tank.

 

[allis64]

I'll probably wind up doing that, because I am afraid of hurting the snails. I am wondering if there is an antibiotic that won't hurt them that would help prevent a new problem. Otherwise, I'll just have to risk it. What conditions cause this to grow? I broke down the tank and it all came right back.

 

[Lotus]

The antibiotics are unlikely to harm the snails, but you can't really "dip" them in it and have it work.

Cyanobacteria thrives in a number of conditions. High nitrates can cause a bloom, but they can also survive in very low nitrates. A lack of flow/oxygenation can lead to them thriving, but they can also live in areas of high oxygenation.

 

[KcMopar]

Cyano is like a tough cancer, its hard to beat and keep down once you have had it.

 

[allis64]

I've tried a 48hr blackout with no improvement. I don't know what to do.

 

[OrangeCones]

It takes at least a week blackout (complete blackout, wrapping the tank in a dark blanket) to starve out BGA.