Black brush algae in a planted tank.

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djdestructo

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Sep 7, 2009
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Well after a couple of hours of research I have narrowed it down that my tank has black brush algae on the plants. I did a couple cuts last night to remove the leaves that were covered in it, in hopes to slow it down.

I currently dose with Flourish Excel daily and Flourish twice a week.

Now with the research I have learned that BBA survives in a tank with high PH and Phosphates. My PH is slightly high (7.8) even with driftwood and almond leaves in the tank. Could the Flourish be the cause of high Phosphates?

I have also read mixed reviews of adding more CO2 to the tank to increase the plant growth there for stopping the growth of the BBA , as well it lowers the PH.

I have a 35 gal tank with a 36'. 44watt T5 Coralife fixture. Would adding CO2 be useless with a low light tank?

I also have two SAE to try and control the algae but they don't seem to eat it.
 
Excell generally kills bba...and i dont think that Flourish has phosphate in it at all...

I generally increase my phosphate to around 3ppm to get rid of gsa...so i dont really buy into the phosphate causes bba.

I have successfully eliminated BBA by applying a constant amount of CO2 to my tank (via pressurized co2, but i am sure that DIY co2 might work if done right)
 
coach_z said:
Excell generally kills bba...and i dont think that Flourish has phosphate in it at all...

I generally increase my phosphate to around 3ppm to get rid of gsa...so i dont really buy into the phosphate causes bba.

I have successfully eliminated BBA by applying a constant amount of CO2 to my tank (via pressurized co2, but i am sure that DIY co2 might work if done right)
Click to expand...

I am very interested in trying DIY CO2 but with the amount of light I have would it be worth it?
 
Also if I were to add a DIY CO2 system to the tank, the PH drops to say 6.5 for example and my tap water is a high 7.8 then wouldn't a large PH swing be harmful?
 
Co2 in low light has its benefits. IMO diy co2 is only good for under 40 gallons and only if you do not use hob filters. Any consistent co2 added will benefit the tank.

Hob filter cause surface agitation and quickly degass the diy co2. The only workable hob is the Marineland HOT 250 with a diy spraybar attached. It is really a hang on canister.

I started with diy and then went pressurized on larger tanks. Experimenting is half the fun / frustration in this hobby. Everyone has what works for them. Not knowing your complete setup I'm not sure what is best.
 
I use an AquaClear 50 HOB. Plants are Water Wisteria, Asian Ambrulia, Java Fern, Green Crypt Wendi, and Italian Val.
 
coach_z said:
under most conditions, the addition of co2 will promote much greater growth than then addition of light.
Click to expand...

I may try it then, just worried about a PH swing since my tap water is a high 7.8, and if the tank is lower, wouldn't that be a problem for the fish?
 
CO2 induced pH swings are not harmful to fish.
 
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