This site is supported by the advertisements on it, please disable your AdBlocker so we can continue to provide you with the quality content you expect.
  1. We are after as many aquarium plant images that we can get, doing so will assist us in completing the aquarium plant database.

    https://barrreport.com/threads/aquatic-plant-images-wanted.14374/
    Dismiss Notice

BGA in low-tech discus tank

Discussion in 'Algae Control' started by Andrea67, Mar 18, 2005.

  1. Andrea67

    Andrea67 Junior Poster

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2005
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    7:14 PM
    My tank is 220 lt. with 4 adult discus and quite heavyly planted: crypto + some swords + vallisneria. I have no co2 and I do not dose any fertilizer but light is quite over-powered: metal halide 150 W (8 h per day).
    The tank is running for 2 years with no major algae problems.
    Recently I experienced some BGA issues.
    Could it be that NO3 level is too low? I actually have around 10-15 mg/lt. Despite the fish are very well feeded everyday, the NO3 level is maintained quite low because of the slow filter and floating plants.
    In the next days I’ll downgrade my lamp to 70 W and probably prolongue photoperiod to 10 hours.
    What else should I do to get rid of BBA? Should I add KNO3 as it seems according to most recent theories? I’ve been always told that in a discus tank the lower NO3 the better it is... It’s a kind of sacrilege for me to add NO3 artificially... :eek:

    Thanks for support!
     
    #1 Andrea67, Mar 18, 2005
  2. fosteder

    fosteder Guru Class Expert

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2005
    Messages:
    123
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    7:14 PM
    Re: BGA in low-tech discus tank

    How bad is the BGA?

    BGA is caused by low nitrates or poor maintenance. Don't necessarily believe your test kit. Reducing the lighting and prolonging the photoperiod will not get rid of it. Bear with me if you already know some of this. :D

    BGA is an algae/bacteria. The best ways to kill it are a total blackout of 3 days, or antibiotics (which you need to be very careful with). The fish and plants will be fine for three days with no light. I have had to do this twice myself.

    At any rate, you need to correct what is causing it in the first place as well. You need to dose KNO3. I believe I read somewhere on this site that somebody has kept discus with high nitrate levels just fine (I have no experience to offer you here).

    If you use Jobe's plant spikes, you will need to remove those as well.

    Hope this helps
     
    #2 fosteder, Mar 18, 2005
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)
Loading...
Similar Threads - BGA low tech
  1. slalomsk8er

    Help needed with BGA and slow growth

    slalomsk8er, Aug 25, 2009, in forum: Algae Control
    Replies:
    13
    Views:
    153
    slalomsk8er
    Sep 8, 2009
  2. ianmills122

    Will H202 harm Dwarf Four Leaf Clover when spot treating for BGA?

    ianmills122, Jan 23, 2015, in forum: General Plant Topics
    Replies:
    2
    Views:
    169
    ianmills122
    Jan 24, 2015
  3. jonathan11

    BGA, lighting, frets

    jonathan11, May 7, 2014, in forum: Lighting
    Replies:
    4
    Views:
    218
    ltb420
    May 7, 2014
  4. tefsom85

    Dry start and BGA

    tefsom85, Dec 30, 2013, in forum: General Plant Topics
    Replies:
    3
    Views:
    202
    tefsom85
    Dec 30, 2013
  5. ShadowMac

    BGA and some pesky GDA

    ShadowMac, Sep 8, 2013, in forum: Algae Control
    Replies:
    30
    Views:
    551
    Matt F.
    Sep 24, 2013

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...
    Dismiss Notice