Temp Effect On Blackout

[imatrout]

I recently started using EI and have noticed significant results, but I have some remnants of BGA. I decided to nip it in the bud and do a blackout and am currently at the end of day 1.

I live in Arizona and have always had a marginal problem keeping my tank cooled. I typically have it running between 79.5 and 81 degrees and there's not much I can do to control it. The only cooling I get is from normal evaporation. I have tested the difference between a closed top tank and an open top tank at roughly 2 degrees here in the arid southwest.

Now that I have the tank completely covered for the blackout, the temp has risen to 83 degrees. My questions are:

Does the high temp effect the ability of the blackout to work?
Will three days in a covered tank at 83 degrees harm my fish and plants?

If so, I could quickly stop the blackout and go the Maricyn route. All advice is appreciated.

thanks!

 

[PeterGwee]

Re: Temp Effect On Blackout

imatrout, how about getting a fan to cool the tank down during the period? A blackout to kill off BGA is free and have no after effects unlike antibiotics in which the bacteria might become resistant to the medication after sometime if poorly used. All you need to do is just to kill it off and then make sure your NO3 does not get that low by dosing it frequently. The temperature in Sunny Singapore is even worse. 30-34 degrees celsius is a norm. The critters still do fine though.

Regards
Peter Gwee

 

[imatrout]

Re: Temp Effect On Blackout

Thanks Peter!

I have a fan running already that blows cold AC into the cabinet. If you think 83 degrees is okay, then I'll stick with it. I think I'm doing it right. I did a 60% WC and cleaned as much as I could, dosed my normal EI dose and closed it up. I'll open it on Sunday, my regular WC day, do a deep gravel vac, and reset the tank's EI dose. I'll also change out my cannister filter and I will NEVER allow my nitrates to fall out of range again.

 

[magicmagni]

Re: Temp Effect On Blackout

Some grow plants in these temps all the time , but no doubt some plants will be stressed at higher temps. What's worse, a few wilted leaves or a tank infested with BGA. I think you'll have to take the lesser of two evils- especially since it sounds like you've done everything you can. Except perhaps putting bags of ice in the tank to cool it? If it's so warm maybe invest in a chiller as well, but honestly I wouldn't worry about it until you get around 84 or so.