BG alge and blackout

[normc]

I've cleaned out all the alge I could and did 2 large water changes. How long do I blackout the tank

[dan2x38]

Hey Norm try this OVAS link: http://ovas.ca/index.php?page=5  Blackout- Free Algae Killer by: BiggyDaddy

[normc]

Thanks that answered all my questions

[Shrimpy]

How bad is your BG algae outbreak? I tried the blackout and it didn't work for me. I even tried it twice. I finally resorted to erythromycin tablets. You can get them at Big Als. That finished off the BG algae for good. It has never come back.

[dan2x38]

BigDaddy, charlie, and someone else name slips my mind... they were explaining to me about the balance of light, CO2, and ferts... if they are out of balance then the algae will use it taking over... check it out with one of them... BigDaddy gave me a list of what nutrient is out of balance by what algae appears... I made the mistake of using some chemical algae killer and I think it killed a gaurmai... 

[Shrimpy]

BG algae is not really an algae, but a bacteria. Erythromycin is in the penicillan family and kills it. Try the blackouts though first, but if it keeps coming back then use the meds!  It never hurt any of my fish or shrimp.

[dan2x38]

check the Super Pets they have UV Sterlizers on for 50% off or more they will kill it... replacment blubs on sale too... can get 1 for around $50...

[charlie]

BigDaddy, charlie, and someone else name slips my mind... they were explaining to me about the balance of light, CO2, and ferts... if they are out of balance then the algae will use it taking over... check it out with one of them... BigDaddy gave me a list of what nutrient is out of balance by what algae appears... I made the mistake of using some chemical algae killer and I think it killed a gaurmai... 

I think what BD & myself were referring to is BBA algae , hair algae etc.

BG algae is not really an algae, but a bacteria. Erythromycin is in the penicillan family and kills it. Try the blackouts though first, but if it keeps coming back then use the meds!  It never hurt any of my fish or shrimp.

That is correct , it is called cyanobacteria, if you do a search on this site you will some extensive info & experiences on it, like shrimpey said sometimes EM tablets is the only answer, but use this as a last resort, they are ( or was) on clearance @ superpet .
Regards

[dan2x38]

Erythromycin is in the penicillan family and kills it.

Can that stuff hurt the bio-filter?

[Shrimpy]

Some say yes, some say no. I never had any ill effects when I did it. I did it on 2 tanks too, a 10g and a 38g. If you use it, just keep an eye on your ammonia and nitrite levels.

[normc]

Blackout is finished, does the tank ever look clean   I just did a 50% water change and gave the fish a little food. keeping my fingers x.