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Old 04-08-2009, 09:48 AM   #5 (permalink)
Newt
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Default Re: BBA Out of control

I've had BBA issues twice and each time was from a different set of circumstances. You need to get it under control first.
First you need to prune infected plants ruthlessly, bleach dip any affected decorations - bogwood should be boiled and then scrape off any remaining BBA. Do not add any iron supplements and check your tap water for Fe. I had free iron in my tap water and added whole house filters (dirt/sediment and carbon) and filter down to 1 miron nominal. Keep PO4 levels to around 0.1ppm. Keep CO2 to around 30ppm and steady/level. Keep NO3 (nitrate) to at least 10ppm. Once the BBA is under control then go back to your regular fert regime.

BBA, IMO, is not caused by just one issue it is at least 2 parameters not being met. CO2 fluctutons and too low, high iron, low NO3, high PO4. Elevated PO4 just allows it to grow faster and better.

Also, as Bigstick mentioned: How big is your tank? Lighting levels doesnt seem to affect it too much althou we do not want to have intensity too high for this and many other reasons. Duration may be an issue.

Last edited by Newt : 04-08-2009 at 07:41 PM.
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