In early Dec. I posted that the compact flourescent fixture on my 75 gallon tank went and due to financial restraints I replaced it with (2) 40 watt shop lights for a total of 4 bulbs at 160 watts. I had 2 cool white and 2 warm bulbs. I soon after began to have a severe BGA problem. I was told it was probably the type of bulbs/change of lighting that was causing the problem and recieved lots of advice. I used what made the most sense to me and here is what I did and the results. I dosed the tank with Marycin to combat the BGA. This worked great on the BGA and wiped it out. Most posts said the Marycin would not affect the biological filter. It did. I soon had a bacteria bloom and spike in ammonia. With some water changes and patience the tank got though it with no loses and overall a very good result getting rid of the BGA. As for the lights I got creative and with some wood and foil I arranged the lights to sit on the tank like a regular hood and greatly reduced light loss around the fixture sending most light into the tank where needed. I replaced the 2 warm bulbs with (2) 6500K daylight bulbs (I got a 10 pack in Lowes for $20). The combo of 2 cool white and 2 daylight bulbs seems to be a hit with the plants and I am getting the best growth I have seen since I set up the tank 2 years ago. With the advice from this site I was able to get my tank in great shape. Thank You all so much.
Update on BGA/Lighting Issue
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MSHI,
Just a comment that the ammonia spike was caused by the decay of the dead BGA, not Maracyn.
If one has a lot of BGA, after killing it he should do a partial water change. I never do, though.
Bill
Just a comment that the ammonia spike was caused by the decay of the dead BGA, not Maracyn.
If one has a lot of BGA, after killing it he should do a partial water change. I never do, though.
Bill
I have attached a photo (sorry, photography not my strong point). Still a slight bacteria bloom haze but much better. I keep the tank natural to local plants/fish and only take plants/fish I can get from local lakes. It has been an early cold winter this year and I could not get any plants after October. Just 7 weeks ago the tank was almost bare with just some small watercress left and everything was covered with the BGA. Now as you can see the BGA is gone and the watercress has come back strong. The different grass you see was put in a while ago and had disapeared completely. It popped up in a few areas and is also doing well. I have a good supply of nice ludwigia at a local lake and am looking forward to adding some this summer. The tank still has a way to go but is now on its way to being what I am trying to accomplish thanks to the help from the members of this forum.
P.S. You live in a nice part of the state. We often head down to the Lancaster area for some R & R.
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great story of making do with what you have!
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