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Black Beard Algae - The Dreaded Bba


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#1 Westie

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Posted 13 September 2017 - 02:35 PM

I have a fish tank with the dreaded BBA

This tank has been running for a few years with the exact same setup. Only thing that has changed is a reduction in fish.

Can I get some ideas on how to control this?

Any other way to control BBA rather than the fish and fert method?

 

A Google tells me:

Fish to use - True SAE's

Ferts to use - API CO2 Booster or Seachem Flourish Excel

 

thoughts? It doesn't look very nice



#2 Jules

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Posted 13 September 2017 - 04:36 PM

IME - excess nutrients is what causes it in my planted tank.

I tried SAE - but they all got eaten in 2 days, poor fishes and have read many mixed opinions and trials using the fish as the main controller

 

Personally, Ive found more regular water changes and reduced lighting time has reduced it for me in my aquarium. I think phosphorus from certain fish foods increases the phosphates and triggers the growth even though your nitrates maybe quite low (as is the case in my tank)

 

I have also brushed it off using a tooth brush and air line to siphon the small bits off as its scrubbed off, that helped reduced the larger clumps. Maybe cut the excessive BBA coated plant leaves (if any) off as well.

 

Some one told me American flagfish and black mollies eat it (unsure how true or why the molly has to be a black variant)

 

Agreed, its horrible looking stuff, it makes an aquarium look run down.....


Edited by Jules, 13 September 2017 - 04:38 PM.


#3 malawiman85

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Posted 13 September 2017 - 06:05 PM

Excel... Simples. 



#4 Westie

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Posted 13 September 2017 - 06:08 PM

I'll increase water changes and reduce lighting time and see if that helps
I don't like having many fish in my tank, as I prefer focusing more on plants.
Appreciate the reply jules
Paul do you spot dose or use excel with water changes?

#5 malawiman85

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Posted 13 September 2017 - 07:31 PM

I use Excel daily at the recommended dose... The  tank gets full natural light ALL day and there is no trace of algae at all!



#6 Westie

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Posted 13 September 2017 - 09:45 PM

Ok cool I'll get some flourish excel and give that a crack. Been using API co2 booster but just about out of it.

#7 malawiman85

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Posted 14 September 2017 - 08:14 AM

Either that or order dinospit from Aquagreen... It's a fair bit cheaper

Edited by malawiman85, 14 September 2017 - 08:15 AM.


#8 Westie

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Posted 14 September 2017 - 08:29 AM

I have Dino Pee but not Dino Spit. I'll check if Aquotix have any in stock, as that's where I've got Dino dung and Dino pee from in the past

#9 boops

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Posted 26 November 2017 - 10:44 AM

I much prefer results of  co2 and lower ph over using excel .



#10 chrishaigh82

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Posted 26 November 2017 - 03:52 PM

Best plan is to embrace the stuff, pain in the backside



#11 Stormfyre

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Posted 26 November 2017 - 08:33 PM

Aquapics no more black beard.



#12 boops

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Posted 21 December 2017 - 05:55 PM

Back on to excel seems better with the Madagascan lace there buggers for algae


Edited by boops, 21 December 2017 - 05:56 PM.


#13 Delapool

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Posted 23 December 2017 - 11:15 AM

Back on to excel seems better with the Madagascan lace there buggers for algae


How’s it doing in your tank? That sounds such a nice plant to have. I was thinking of something else but would love to see pics! Are you getting BBA on it?

#14 boops

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Posted 28 December 2017 - 10:45 PM

Different types of algae problems with them .They seem prone to it compared to other Aponogetons .Wiped out one batch of young ones using excel before trying to get rid of filament algae . Using excel more moderately now .Photos I take tend to be rubbish .Should be dropping some of to Vebas shortly.



#15 Delapool

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Posted 01 January 2018 - 08:18 PM

Ouch - sounds a nice plant to keep an eye for though in my tank as mostly back to getting a little green algae now.




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