Seachem Sbility - Use-by date

[apalsson]

Is there a recommended "use by" date on Stability.
A week ago or so, I purchased a bottle to help re-establish my tank but when I mixed the recommended dose, I noticed what appeared to be grey-ish colour filamentous looking stuff in the bottle. Unfortunately, this didn't click with me until too late.
Two days later, I had an outbreak of what appeared to be grey slime algae.

I'm not sure there is a connection here but the shop where I bought the stability probably doesn't have high turnover of stuff like this and the shopkeeper made the comment "good to see someone finally wanting to buy the good stuff"

I'm concerned that the liquid was past use-by date but when searching for it, I couldn't see any markings on the bottle.

[Tech Support CH]

Stability has a 4 year shelf life. It can freeze or overheat in the bottle (up to 180˚F) and still survive. Stability has not even been on the market for 2 years, so I assure you your bottle is fine.

The grey filamentous looking stuff is normal. The bacteria tends to settle out some and cause this. Shaking the bottle vigorously before use should break it up.

Algae and slime bacteria usually appear because there is an abundance of nutrients. Stability will help consume these nutrients.

[apalsson]

Thanks for the explanation. I thought this was a longshot anyhow. I have been reading a lot on grey slime algae and people seem to believe it thrives in low nitrate environments.

I am a keen use of Seachem products and have only good things to say about them and the service provides.

Regards

[Tech Support CH]

The grey slime algae is a type of cyanobacteria. It is usually a sign of poor water quality. It does not need high nitrate to grow because it can fix nitrogen. But usually it is a sign that there is a lot of other nutrients available to it. Stability should help get rid of this, but if you want it gone quicker I recommend several large water changes to reduce the nutrient levels. You can syphon out the patches when you do your water changes.

[apalsson]

Thanks for the tip.
This is what I have done - I did a 40% - 50% water change and syphoned out all the algae I could get to and increased my fertilising routine. (both N and K) I also added a few SAEs who seem to have taken to the algae. The tank is almost clean now. I will keep up daily dosing of Stability for another week or so.

This is a freshly set up tank. The water looks very clear with no signs of bacteria bloom or haze. I planted a large mass of fast growing plants to further improve water quality till the tank is better established. I also have purigen in the filter.

Regards

Ari

[Tech Support CH]

As new tanks get established you can get some interesting growths. After is is established you should have less problems with it. You are on the right track with doing water changes and using Purigen.

What other plant fertilizers do you use? I highly recommend Flourish Excel as it is a good carbon source and usually helps the plants out compete the algae and bacteria for food

[apalsson]

Hello,

I use CO2 at around 30ppm as well as dry fertilisers (KN03, K2SO4 and MgSO4). I also harden my water to 6dGh using Seachem Equibrilium.
My gravel is plain except I have laterite balls every 4 inches or so.

Thanks for the tip re Excel. I'll pick up some this week.

Regards

Ari

[Tech Support CH]

The Equilibrium will add hardness and potassium. Since you are adding CO2 I would suggest not using the initial dose of Excel. Just use the daily dose (1 cap (5 mL) per 50 gallons).