How to Get Rid of Red Slime

Red slime, also known as Cyanobacteria, is a type of bacteria known to actually appear in various colors, from dark orange to blue, that can spread quickly and overrun your aquarium tank. Getting rid of red slime can take some work. Removing the underlying causes for the red slime helps prevent it from returning later on. A few basic tools, like a turkey baster, will help you complete the task.

Things You'll Need

  • Turkey baster
  • Antibiotics
  • Skimmer cup
  • Carbon filter cartridge
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use your fingers to scrape off any red slime clinging to the pebbles or rocks in the aquarium. Apply suction with a turkey baster along the surface of your aquarium sand to draw up the slime layer. Use the baster only to suck up the top layer of slime on the sand. Refrain from digging up the sand and attempting to reach any deeper layers.

    • 2

      Remove the skimmer cup in your aquarium, which can be a source of red slime bacteria, and replace it with a new one. You can also use a dedicated skimmer cup brush, or small brush with wire bristles, to clean out the existing cup and reuse it.

    • 3

      Remove the carbon filter cartridge in your aquarium and replace it with a new filter. Silicate, phosphate and nitrate levels can increase in a carbon filter over time. Reducing these levels keeps red slime from forming.

    • 4

      Check the tank for any dead organisms, which can decompose and spread the bacteria that causes red slime. Remove dead organisms right away to prevent decomposition, and maintain a regular tank inspection schedule.

    • 5

      Purchase aquarium antibiotics, which you can find at most aquarium stores or pet stores, and apply them to the tank according to the manufacturer's instructions. Attempt all other slime removal options first before using antibiotics, which can seriously harm aquatic life.