e burna said:
what about feeding? Do I feed during a blackout, or can the fish sustain this? Are you supposed to remove fish during a blackout? THanks for reading.
I updated my webpage to deal with these common questions. Here's the basics of the blackout.
Method No. 1
The blackout method. Turn off
CO2 and add an airstone if available. Your fish and plants will be fine during this short period of time. When doing a blackout follow this procedure exactly.
Day one.
1) Feed your fish. Wait one hour, then do a 50% water change.
Also day one.
2) Cover the tank completely with towels, blankets, or garbage bags so that no light whatsoever gets into the tank...all sides and top must be covered.
Day two.
3) Leave the tank alone...completely alone. Do not change any water, do not feed your fish, and do not even peek to see if the green water is going away during the blackout period. The tank must have complete darkness and no feedings during the blackout period.
Day three.
3) Leave the tank alone...completely alone. Do not change any water, do not feed your fish, and do not even peek to see if the green water is going away during the blackout period. The tank must have complete darkness and no feedings during the blackout period.
Day four.
3) Leave the tank alone...completely alone. Do not change any water, do not feed your fish, and do not even peek to see if the green water is going away during the blackout period. The tank must have complete darkness and no feedings during the blackout period.
Day five.
4) At the end of the blackout period do another 50% water change and lightly feed your fish again. Also address any nutrient deficiencies you may have at this time. Remove the airstone and restart your
CO2 injection if using such.
Seven days after day five.
5) Do another 50% water change one week later, then resume you normal water changing routine thereafter and feedings.
BUT, the blackout method is limited to being effective against BGA and Green Water Algae. Other types are algae are usually not eliminated with a blackout.