Proper way to tear down a tank?

[uklau]

Hi, existing tank has been there for about 2 years. Now starting to have blue green algae (on top of existing BBA) I'm thinking of tearing it down.

I have 1 spare tank to store aged water. Can someone advise how do I go about re-setup the tank using the same piece of equipment? I would like to save the tiger lotus & echinodorus (no BBA but some blue green algae). I'm going to use new substrate. Thanks.

[wildfish]

I suggest you transfer the plants into small pots and keep them in the spare tank during the trasition period.

For cleaning, I think white venegar is very effective in removing those stubborn algae and disinffecting the old tank.

These are just some of my personal suggestion, anyway.

[ranmasatome]

make sure your plants dont carry the old algae into the temporary tank housing the "new" water..

Also..for blue-green algae.. all you have to do is increase the No3 dosage. Simply means your tank has already bottomed out.

[uklau]

I suggest you transfer the plants into small pots and keep them in the spare tank during the trasition period.

For cleaning, I think white venegar is very effective in removing those stubborn algae and disinffecting the old tank.

These are just some of my personal suggestion, anyway.

Thanks wildfish. Is white venegar easy to rinse compared to bleach (which I normally rinse with overdose anti chlorine)?

[uklau]

make sure your plants dont carry the old algae into the temporary tank housing the "new" water..

Also..for blue-green algae.. all you have to do is increase the No3 dosage. Simply means your tank has already bottomed out.

Ops... I actually decrease. Thanks for the note, bro.

BTW, care to share how to ensure that old algae are not brought into the new tank? I don't think manual removal of blue green algae is 100%. Thanks.

[grey_fox]

It would means removing leaves stained with BBA, etc. Thoroughly rinse the plants under running water.

Even a small piece of BGA attached to say, a leaf can cause havoc in your next set-up.

[wildfish]

Thanks wildfish. Is white venegar easy to rinse compared to bleach (which I normally rinse with overdose anti chlorine)?

White venegar is in fact edible and harmless compare with bleach. So not really a problem even if not rinse thoroughly.
This may be a useful alternative and more cost effective as well.

[uklau]

I'll give it a try & see how it goes. Thanks.

[uklau]

I guess for the filter, I can just transfer it to the new tank, without needing to do anything (except doing some simple cleaning without affecting the BB).

Will transferring the filter carry with it algae from the existing tank (blue green or green dust algae)? Not too sure about this & a bit worry about it.

[|squee|]

Algae will be anywhere in your tank, new or old. There is no easy way to ensure that no algae spores will be carried over to the new tank.

[uklau]

Thanks for pointing out the facts, squee.

[PeterGwee]

Use less light in the new tank. Go for NO FL instead of PC lights if you can since it's lower in intensity and gives you more room for error in terms of CO2 and dosing.

Regards,
Peter Gwee

[uklau]

Thanks, Peter. I'm currently using 2 x 18W NO FL on 2 feet tank. I'm going to upgrade the tubes to T8HO tubes. Will start a new thread to discuss on plants that do well in this range of lighting.

[AA24]

I think the blue green algae is a form of bacteria.. you cannot just get rid of it.. gotto treat the tank and all its contents with some form of antibiotic.... also, it is very easy to infect other tanks and stuff.. I hope I am right.. anyone agree or disagree..??..

[|squee|]

Yes you're right, it's actually a bacteria although it's called an algae.

Antibiotics work, but a blackout with water changes and a cleaning of the filter along with regular dosings of KNO3 work just as well.

The use of antibiotics must be restricted.. you don't want to be responsible for creating a new strain of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

[StanChung]

I think the blue green algae is a form of bacteria.. you cannot just get rid of it..

It's easy to rid off, you just have to know thy enemy!
IMHO antibiotics are totally unnecessary in this case.

Know thy enemy to eliminate it, enjoy this thread I found over the net.
http://www.skepticalaquarist.com/docs/algae/cyano.shtml

[uklau]

Thanks for sharing the informative link, Stan.

[StanChung]

You're most welcome.

[uklau]

a blackout with water changes and a cleaning of the filter along with regular dosings of KNO3 work just as well.

I'll never use antibiotics as I myself is trying to avoid taking it. Squee, I'll take note of your advice (hope I don't even need to use this at all in future).

[uklau]

The vineger worked very well especially in getting rid of the water stain on the tank. Thank, Wildfish.