- Prepare the Aquarium: Turn off UV sterilizers, protein skimmers, and algae scrubbers. Remove all activated carbon, phosphate removers, and chemical filtration from your system.
- Determine Dosage: The standard dose is \(20\ mg\) of fluconazole per gallon of water (1 level large scoop per 90 liters / 24 gallons).
- Application: Pour the required amount of powder into a high-flow area of your sump or display tank.
- Initial Skimmer Halt: Keep the protein skimmer off for at least the first 72 hours. As the algae begin to melt, the skimmer will likely overflow or foam excessively. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
- Days 1–3: The medication circulates. You may start to see algae lose their color or show initial signs of decay.
- Days 10–14: The full treatment cycle takes 10 to 14 days. Bryopsis and hair algae should noticeably recede, and herbivores can help clean up the dying matter.
- Day 14 & Beyond: After the full two weeks, perform a 20% water change. You can then turn your carbon reactors, chemical filtration, and skimmer back on. [1, 2, 3]

