Max's 40 Breeder Build

[Jkeating8]

I agree. It might be worth it.

 

[maxwellag]

I assume you've already seen this, but IMO it would be worth a shot if you haven't tried yet. The "One-Two Punch" Whole Tank Algae Treatment

Thanks, I will try that. I just need to get some Excel and a syringe.

 

[aqua_chem]

What's your light schedule currently? CO2 levels? Have you already tried the normal BBA responses? H2O2 treatment is great for what's already in there, but not so much for preventing the issue.

 

[maxwellag]

What's your light schedule currently? CO2 levels? Have you already tried the normal BBA responses? H2O2 treatment is great for what's already in there, but not so much for preventing the issue.

My light schedule is 10am-8pm (for 2 of the 4 bulbs), then the moonlights are on from 8-9pm. Not exactly sure what the co2 levels are, but the drop checker is green. What are the normal BBA responses?

 

[aqua_chem]

I would bring it down to 6-8h, bust out the Excel, and apply H2O2 liberally. Think about upping co2 if you can. You might even consider putting some screening over your light to further reduce your intensity.

 

[maxwellag]

I would bring it down to 6-8h, bust out the Excel, and apply H2O2 liberally. Think about upping co2 if you can. You might even consider putting some screening over your light to further reduce your intensity.

I haven't had a chance to get Excel yet, but I did just reduce the light schedule to 2-8. I am also going to try adjusting the co2 but I won't know how much I increased it for a while.

 

[aqua_chem]

Have you tried peroxide yet?

 

[maxwellag]

Have you tried peroxide yet?

I don't really have a good way to apply it yet. I am planning on getting a syringe soon.

 

[maxwellag]

Ok, got a syringe and started applying the h2o2.

 

[maxwellag]

I put the driftwood back in. It looks weird with dead BBA on it. The drop checker is lime green.

The plant in the front right is staurogyne repens. I decided I might as well see how it does. It was in the back before, and I noticed that it didn't have any BBA on it. I think its leaves are too big or something. So that may be another way I can prevent BBA, by using it instead of HC.

I also added a bit of flame moss to the driftwood. I didn't have much, but I had to make due.

 

[maxwellag]

Update:
I just did a lot of cleaning and a big water change today. The BBA still won't go away. I think it might be time for another spot treatment with h202. I will probably try to get some Flourish Excel too. The staurogyne is still growing slowly with some algae on it. I just removed a bunch of the blyxa because it was getting too big.

 

[bud29]

Ouch, that's getting pretty bad. I think the added plants give the tank more of a complete look, it'll look even better once the algae is taken care of.

 

[fort384]

I don't remember what's in the tank and if they'd be compatible but some true SAEs might help. A lot of reports say they are hit and miss but my experience is they Help. That and higher co2. It is a pain to deal with for sure.

 

[Jkeating8]

I would bring that co2 up, Max. I take a drop checker reading with a grain of salt. I run my DC yellow and my fish are fine.

 

[fort384]

I would bring that co2 up, Max. I take a drop checker reading with a grain of salt. I run my DC yellow and my fish are fine.

I agree whole heatedly. I always ran my tanks on the high side.

 

[maxwellag]

Ok, I will move my drop checker back over into this tank and turn the co2 up a bit. I ordered some Excel, so hopefully soon I will be combating this BBA more effectively.

 

[Jkeating8]

Ok, I will move my drop checker back over into this tank and turn the co2 up a bit. I ordered some Excel, so hopefully soon I will be combating this BBA more effectively.

For spot treating I much prefer hydrogen peroxide. 3mls per 10 gallons. It works much better. I always dose a lot of excel, too.

 

[maxwellag]

For spot treating I much prefer hydrogen peroxide. 3mls per 10 gallons. It works much better. I always dose a lot of excel, too.

Are you saying that I should just add hydrogen peroxide to the tank (not apply to specific spots)? I have used it before, but I was only applying it to the spots most affected by BBA.

 

[Jkeating8]

Are you saying that I should just add hydrogen peroxide to the tank (not apply to specific spots)? I have used it before, but I was only applying it to the spots most affected by BBA.

Search 1-2 punch hydrogen peroxide treatment. I saw it on TPT. I really wonder why you have such problems with BBA.

 

[maxwellag]

My Excel arrived today. I just dosed the recommended amount (5ml every 10g). We'll see how it does. If it doesn't make much of a difference I will do the 1-2 Punch method.