Bga Methods?

[superjalami30]

Hello folks.

I've got a bit of BGA in one of my aquariums, yes, I have to admit I've been negelecting this tank since the purchase of my 86 gallon tank awhile ago.
Anyways, I've had BGA in the past, but it was in a non planted tank, obviously no C02 was involved.
So this time around I would like to know if I should stop injecting C02 during the 3 day blackout?

I'll be dosing my Nitrate to 15-20 ppm and will do a water change before and after the blackout.

A second question I have is, could you use an 02 regulator on a C02 tank?
I've asked around and none of the milrights, mechanics and other know it alls I work with seem to actually know.

 

[Waterloo Kid]

During the blackout the plants will not be using CO2 so there's no reason to inject.
Although I don't know for sure I'd guess that an O2 regulator can't be used for CO2 in the longrun. If they could then you'd buy a regulator rather than a CO2 regulator. The CO2 will probably perish the internals of a non CO2 regulator like it does to standard airline tubing eventually.
I'm not sure that you should dose nitrates before a blackout either. Do a 50% water change after clearing out all the BGA you can manually, then do another 50% water change after the blackout and resume your dosing regime.

WK

 

[superjalami30]

Thanks Waterloo Kid.
I've read before to make sure you dose Nitrate before a blackout, since BGA can fix Nitrate and since BGA seems to spread quick in a tank without Nitrate.
Hmmmm, I may have to call a gas wholesaler or dealer and ask about the 02 reg for C02.
It sounds right though that you should probably use a C02 reg on a C02 tank.

Anyone else have some advice on the BGA blackout method?
Should I continue C02 injection and dose Nitrate?

 

[JamesC]

Don't quote me on this but I think you may find the O2 regulator has a different thread. As you're dealing with compressed gas I'd always get the right equipment.

If your nitrates are low then add some more before the blackout. Around 20ppm or more should be fine. CO2 should be off and I'd recommend adding an airstone if you have fish.

James

 

[superjalami30]

Thanks James.
I will discontinue injecting C02, and will dose KN03.
I'm already at appox 20 ppm, but will ensure I have proper levels asap.

Could I not simply put my outputs from my filters near the surface for some agitation rather than an airstone?


Thanks again!

 

[JamesC]

You could do. The only reason I recommend an airstone is because usually the tank is sealed up which prevents any fresh air getting to the waters surface. There is a remote possibility that the air space above the water could become low in oxygen causing problems for the fish. I don't really know and have never heard of anyone having problems but having an airstone takes this risk away as fresh air is being pumped in.

James