Bga To Poor Tank Maintenance And My Plan

[fish+peace]

Well you know how it is you tend to the every need and can't wait for the next maintenance day to get your hands wet and get the tank looking super and then...life gets in the way and the water change has to wait and before you know it, its looking a little neglected and theres algae..Well
 
I'm getting back on top but had BGA on the sand at the front of the tank owing to a lapse in the water change frequancy and also a couple of my tetras died probably knocking up the nitrates/Phos
 
I have a vision 180 with sand subtrate a big piece of bogwood and about 5 amazon swords at the back i've removed the rest of the plants - java fern etc as they were getting algae and looking worst for wear. I've also cut the swords right back. This is serviced by a fluval 206 with bio foam lower basket, ceramic rings then filter floss for polishing.
 
As we know prevention is better than the cure but having 4 kids and full time work + the mrs shoots out to work as soon as i get back it's hard sometimes.
 
Anyways i aim to get back on top heres what i've done
 
PH was around 6.4 - 6.6
10% Water change each day for 5 days
cleaned the sand by sieving out any bga
cleaned glass
cleaned filter and added carbon and phosphurus trap
 
I am now also adding TNT complete plant food 20ml a week after water change
i have just ordered root tabs for the swords as there showing iron defficiency
i have also ordered a powerhead (nano 900) as the filter doesn't seem to be getting enough flow around the sand as the detrius gather around the right h/sand and there is a little BBA on the bogwood at the lower front
 
My plan is to also add plenty plants eg stem plants Cabomba and more Java fern to the bogwood as im loosly trying to create an amazonian tank
 
I have just upgraded my lighting unit to the T5's 2 x 35w daylight as my T8s were old and prehaps the light was a little weak but when i ordered new tubes the ballast gave up.
 
I will include some pics as a pic paints a thousand words but would appreciate any input
 
At the minute i am now doing a 20% water change weekly then adding 20ml tnt complete
 
PH 6.6 - 6.8
Ammonia 0
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 40
 
 

 

[levahe]

Here is a little bit of info on bga, (copy+paste from http/www.theplantedtank.co.uk/algae.htm )

Description

This isn't a true algae, but a bacteria called cyanobacteria that is able to photosynthesise. Covers everything in a blue/green slimy mat. Easily peels off but grows back again very quickly. It can smell pretty foul. It is very commonly found in the substrate and especially along the front glass where is receives light.

Cause

Often caused by very low nitrates. It is fairly common to have it growing in the substrate against the front glass from where it can spread. Sometimes it appears with new setups that have had light and ammonia present at some point. Dirty substrates and filters may also bring it on. Poor water circulation is another possible cause.

Removal

A blackout is the best method for this. Clean out as much of the algae as you can and do a 30 to 50% water change. If your nitrates are low then add some potassium nitrate to get levels to 20ppm. Remove CO2 and add an airstone. Turn off lights and cover the whole tank so no light can enter. Leave it for 3 to 4 days. No peeking and no feeding - fish will be fine without food for this period. After 3 to 4 days remove the covers and do a 30 - 50% water change. Remove airstone and start CO2. You will need to dose nitrates to keep them dropping too low again. Make sure your substrate and filter doesn't become too clogged up with mulm and also make sure you have good water circulation around the whole tank.
Another option is to treat with Maracyn which is an anti-biotic. Seems to work well but may affect the biological filter. In the UK it is illegal to purchase Maracyn without first getting a prescription for it from a vet.
If the BGA is originating from the substrate place some dark tape on the glass to hide the substrate from direct light.


It looks like you are on the road to success with everything you are doing so far,

 

[SO19Firearms]

Have a read through the link above on algae. Try to forget what you thought you knew about Nitrates and Phosphate. It's wrong.
You'll get to save money on useless stuff like Phosphate removers then too

 
 
IMO

 

[fish+peace]

Thanks for the info. I added a couple bunches of cabomba and got a java fern with some runners to attach to the bogwood also got my root tabs and stuck a couple near the amazon swords
 
i'll post some piccies and hoepfully with cleaning i can rid the bga without doing a blackout. It has slowed down alot and a sift of the sand cleans it up
 
Incidentally found one of my otos dead on the sand last night only did a 20% water change and added tnc complete the other 2 are ok so prehaps wasn't in the best of health - i've heard they can be a little finnicky.

 

[Lunar Jetman]

I had some a while ago and managed to get rid of it without a blackout. Basically I increased flow, ferts and water changes. It took a while but got there in the end!

Here's another previous thread that discussed BGA which may/may not be of use to you.
 
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/415234-bga-problem-any-tips/