[theblondskeleton]

Hey Roy! After scouring the forums, I found a lot of reference to BBA. The only surefire way to ensure its total destruction is increase and stabilize CO2. This is from Barr. My CO2 readings told me I had 30ppm and I still had BBA. I dropped my pH controller from 6.8 to 6.2 (tap pH of 7.8!) and it stopped in its tracks. I assume my initial CO2 readings were wrong - not sure why, but I also found I'm not the only one who had that issue. I'm now using a drop checker to monitor my CO2 levels, and keeping it light green.

After balancing the CO2, I applied a double dose of Excel (for my 90G it was 20ml/day) for about a week and a half. The water became cloudy, but it did not affect the fish. within a few days the BBA burned off (turned red and brittle) and disappeared. I've been BBA-free for a couple weeks now. I still have GSA showing up weekly on the glass, but it is in smaller quantity now.

In short, the problem = unstable CO2
Short term solution = double dose of Excel
Long term solution = increase and stabilize CO2

Hope this helps with the BBA!

 

[theblondskeleton]

I like where it's headed! It seems like we should have more room with 18 inches of depth, doesn't it? I'm always surprised at how much narrower it is than I thought... I love the idea of the big open space in the middle - I think the angels will too!

 

[theblondskeleton]

Hey roy, it's lookin' good! I agree about the crypts. I'd love to have a 90 with a terraced hardscape and pockets of different kinds of crypts. They just look so good when they fill in...

 

[theblondskeleton]

Hey Roy! I like the idea of going with the crypt tank - it's something I have wanted to do for a while. I have had some c. parva for a while now, and I love the stuff for a low-maintenance foreground.

Sorry to hear TOTY was so stressful - It is a ridiculous amount of work getting a 90 in shape for one of those. I've had some crazy algae issues as well lately. I'd say get those crypts in there and see how it goes - just go for the tank you want, and if you think it's worth entering, take a picture and send it in. A lot of the guys winning the big contests do little else, so they have the time and energy to put into it. The rest of us have jobs that take us away from our tanks sometimes, so we have to settle for what we can handle. I just keep rescaping every six months or so to keep myself in practice