Black bush algae/ HELP!

[TrashmanTodd]

Hey All,

I've got a problem starting in one on my tanks. I'm starting to get black bushy algae. It's mostly on my drfiftwood, but is starting to get on my plants. I pune the plans that have it but I'm affraid that pretty soon I won't have any plants left to prune. I read that you should break down the tank and bleach everything, but that really isn't a opption. I have to many fish and plants, and I use a sand substrate. Is there anything else I can do.

Thanks for the Help!
Todd

[djlen]

The biggest help for BBA is proper fertilization and CO2. Lot's of CO2. The object being that the plants out compete the algae for nutrients and it dies off. If you have many plants already you're closer to the solution than some people.
There has been so much written on this subject that our archives are probably loaded with info.
Hit the search button in the upper right of the page and type in BBA or Black Brush Algae.
It needs to be handled aggressively because it's tough. I suggest you read some of the stuff that's in previous threads and then if you have questions, many of us will be happy to help.
Len

[TrashmanTodd]

Hey Djlen,
Yea right now I have 2 diy bottles going to my 75 gal. Most times I have decect pearling. I don't know the levels off hand because I'm at work:mad: I guess I'll have to add another bottle or start looking into a real co2 system.

Thanks
Todd

[djlen]

Todd, check those threads in the search area as well. BBA can ruin your day if you let it get out of hand. Trust me, I've been there.
Len

[TrashmanTodd]

Thanks,
I did a search, and it looks like I'll try adding another co2 bottle when I get home and see if that starts helping, and I'll go from there.:)

Todd

[TwoTankAmin]

i just rounded up the SAEs from several tanks, dropped em into bba tank and stopped feeding it. yes they do eat it. :-)

[djlen]

I don't know your water parameters(pH,kH etc.), or your lighting situation, but that's a lot of tank for DIY CO2. I had 4 bottles going on my 55 before I converted to pressurized. You really need a steady 25-30ppm if you have a lot of lighting.
I would take any inanimate object that's affected with the algae out and dip it in a 50-50 water/bleach solution. Then rinse well and then dip it again in fresh water treated with "tap water conditioner" to remove all traces of bleach.
Len

[TrashmanTodd]

Hey Djlen,
Yea, I'll have to test my levels, but by just watching the powerhead that I use for my CO2, I can tell that there is not enough in the tank. I'll have to save up and get a real system for the tank. Then that should help out quite a bit. until then I'll have to stick with the DIY method.

Todd