Interesting observation about BBA

[Darkkon]

Well i have this styrofoam backdrop at the back of my tank that's just covered with BBA. As i am REALLY reluctant to take out the backdrop (hence pressing the reset button for my tank) i tried to implement other ways of getting rid of the BBA.

After trying without success using toothbrush, pincers and my fingers to scrape them off, i came upon the idea of altering salinity levels to kill them, so during one of my water changes after draining half of the water i dipped a toothbrush into highly concentrated salt solution and brushed the half exposed portion. I then waited for about 5 mins before i topped up the tank.

Interestingly the BBA on the portion which i 'treated' had turned red. Over the next few days they do also seem to be melting away and was a lot more easily scrapped off. I do wonder if a slight increament on water salinity will kill those growing all over my plants and hairgrass as well, but that is a risk i dare not take.

Any comments / opinions?

[plantmania]

Dying BBA looks pinkish.... Anyway, it's only a temporary solution to clear only half your wall, similar to squirting small amount of hydrogen peroxide. You need to be careful for the concentrated salt used, it might raise the water's overall salinity. Same care goes to hydrogen peroxide if used.