BLACK BEARDED ALGAE So tell me I'm wrong....... the reason I have BBA in my tank is because the PO4 level in my water is HIGH. So to redeem myself I purchased all manner of Fluval and Seachem filter material to reduce the PO4 levels to sub zero. The BBA took say six months to become the luxurious carpet cover that it is, on ............. well anything it likes really........... so I'm guessing that now the source of the problem is gone/going, gradually the BBA will go too?? Somebody please tell me this is a possibility
I don't think so. Removing PO4 completely will lead to getting not just BBA, but the entire range of algae in your tank. P is one of the essential macro elements for plants. Can not go without it. Reduce PO4 down to let say 0.5 - 1ppm and see that you have 5 - 10ppm NO3 and things will start to go to normal. Of course don't forget to inject good amount of CO2. Check your filters. Those will probably need some cleaning as well.
you get BBA 2 ways one spores from either tanks plants fish and so on 2 from CO2 imbalance and GH KH. more a low KH
You can try removing it by using H202 http://www.gpodio.com/h2o2.asp I am using a 3% solution and 1ml per 30L. And it really worked like a charm. I rinsed all my piping and filter equipment with it as well. It has now cleared up very well, just some on my wood left.
@ WYVERN I have Discus, Clown Loaches and Rainbows in the tank that I'm talking about. Will hydrogen peroxide hurt the fish at that dose, or to be safe should I isolate the fish first and then nuke the BBA with the H2O2?
Thanks Ivan No thanks - I've had Siamese Algae eaters before and I don't like them - ugly little critters. My Buddy Trevor Pleco starts to twitch every time you mention Siamese Algae Eater. I think I'll "hospitalise" my fish and nuke the BBA with H2O2 @ Aquadream - TIA bru (this is africa) the water out the faucet (10ppm+) (by German Standards) is "pond water" lots of PO4. It's difficult to get levels as low as what you've indicated (0.5 - 1.0ppm) General: I have a large bag of crushed coral in the canister filter. Does it ever need replacing? It really only holds the water in Cape Town to "3" if you're lucky. I guess if I wanted say "5" I'd have to use a KH booster. FTR - I suppliment SeaChem Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (N, P, K) every week in addition to Excel, Trace, Comprehensive and Iron.
