Trying blackout method to get rid of algae: need some advic

[cheeboonyong]

Hi,

have searched the forum for this method to get rid of persistent BBA.

this is what I have gathered:

1. Block off all ambient light and direct light.
2. Switch off CO2
3. Aerate water (for fish to breathe)

Anything I missed before I start on my exercise?

[PeterGwee]

Wrong! That is for BGA...a kind of bacteria..not BBA!!!
If you have BBA, go for the CO2...it is generally the main culprit. Get the CO2 to the 20-30ppm range during lighting period (Use pH test pen or monitor is better...pH test kits are generally not as precise due to poor range). Once the CO2 is fixed, BBA generally slows down or stop growing...go in and remove the affected areas and you should get rid of it once and for all.

[David]

just to add on.....increase Yamatoes Shrimp count as you need them to clear uneaten and rotting plant matter which probably is building up...Cigar Fish will help you fight as well. If they are have grown on the gravel, remove as much as you can by slow siphon method...and heavily infected leaves needs to be prune. If they are growing on hardware,....remove and bleach them.