BBA question

[Detritus Mulm]

Does BBA wipe off or do you have to physically remove the effected leaves?

I had some minor BBA before, but now it's getting pretty serious. It seemed to pick up after I increased the PO4. I've increased the CO2 to 30 PPM for the last day or so, but it has not slacked off yet.

It seems to have affected the Sword the most, but the Ludwigia seems to have some kind of coating as well, which I suspect is actually BBA. All the plants are pearling consistently now, but no joy so far.

 

[PK1]

Re: BBA question

Unfortunately BBA cannot be removed, you have to get rid of the affected leaves.

I used to have a lot of problems with BBA, I have none now thanks to:

- High CO2 (over 150 ppm according to the KH/pH chart that I have now stopped using)
- Siamese Algae Eaters. Just to tell you how effective these guys are, I used to get long strands on BBA around the holes on the spray bar, the only place the SAE's could not get to due to the high current. All it would take to get rid of it would be to stop the pump for 5 minutes. Gone!

To get rid of it you can also try Seachem Excel, there are threads here and elsewhere discussing this.

Although my tank is quite clean of algae now, I still get a build up of green algae on the leaves of my Anubias. During the last water change I put 1/2 strength Excel on the leaves, after 3-4 days they are squeaky clean!

 

[Detritus Mulm]

Re: BBA question

Unfortunately BBA cannot be removed, you have to get rid of the affected leaves.

That's what I thought.

- Siamese Algae Eaters. Just to tell you how effective these guys are, I used to get long strands on BBA around the holes on the spray bar, the only place the SAE's could not get to due to the high current. All it would take to get rid of it would be to stop the pump for 5 minutes. Gone!

I don't really have any threads, just black spots. The SAEs do sound interesting, but my fish count is getting up there. I'll check them out tomorrow.

Although my tank is quite clean of algae now, I still get a build up of green algae on the leaves of my Anubias. During the last water change I put 1/2 strength Excel on the leaves, after 3-4 days they are squeaky clean!

I don't have much in the way of GSA, but some Green Dust. Although the Oto's seem to be knocking that back.

Thanks

 

[Cornhusker]

Re: BBA question

something you might try is h202 at 2ml per gallon.let filter run about 30 to 40 minuets. then 50% water change.does not seem to affect livestock.may have to repeat in a week or so but i've seen the results when nothing else worked.regards,cornhusker

 

[PK1]

Re: BBA question

something you might try is h202 at 2ml per gallon.let filter run about 30 to 40 minuets. then 50% water change.does not seem to affect livestock.may have to repeat in a week or so but i've seen the results when nothing else worked.regards,cornhusker

When I had major problems with BBA last year, I tried this as a last resort option. It is true that H2O2 kills BBA, but it will also severly destroy most plants, at least it did in my case. Also killed one fish in the process.

I suggest you try Excel first. From what I have read, it is very effective on BBA. Here's one of the threads, there are many more. Good luck!

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/showthread.php?t=3806&highlight=excel+algae

 

[Detritus Mulm]

Re: BBA question

Thanks,

I'll hold off on the H2O2 for now.

I picked up some SAEs today, but one of the little bastards committed suicide (jumped out of his bucket) while I was changing the gravel in my Office/Quarantine tank.

 

[VaughnH]

Re: BBA question

Thanks,

I'll hold off on the H2O2 for now.

I picked up some SAEs today, but one of the little bastards committed suicide (jumped out of his bucket) while I was changing the gravel in my Office/Quarantine tank.

Like many of us he was very attached to his mate, and was probably separated from him/her when he was sold into slavery to you. So, he contemplated life without him/her and decided he/she couldn't face it. Sorry, but when we engage in such nefarious activities we have to know it is real ..uh.. fish we are dealing with.