Question about treating for BBA

[br553]

I have had a BBA outbreak in my 10g planted tank. It affects the slower growing plants, specifically my dwarf onion and my apon undulatus. Will reducing the photo period or a blackout period have any affect on this? The current params on the tank are
Temp: about 76F
WPG: 4 watts
fish load: about 30 or so guppies (I know, overstocked)
Fertilizer routine: regular dose of Excell once a day, NPK every other day, and trace nutrients 2 times a week. 30% Water change done once a week.

 

[nh5]

increase the amount of excel and lower the other ferts and it should disappear. Maybe a double dose of excel for a few days? Definately get rid of some guppies!!!!! WAY TO MANY!

 

[br553]

I hear you on the guppies. I started with one male and one female a little over a year ago and it quickly got out of control. I managed to get rid of about 40 of them, but still have 30 or so left. I will definately post an local ad again. I will definately try what you mentioned on the Excel and ferts.

 

[jmhart]

Things to try:

Decreased Fertilization(a lot, at lease decrease your N, 30+ guppies poop a lot), decreased photoperiod, increased excel, physically remove it by scraping rocks/driftwood and cutting away from plants, waterchanges....and finally, after you've done all that, a 3 day blackout. The first steps get rid of a lot, and weaken what's left. 3 day blackout will finish it off. If you don't do the first steps, 3 day blackout doesn't really help BBA, at least in my experience.