Mon, 2 November 2015
Black Brush Algae (BBA) - How to kill itThis is a first in a series on understanding algae that commonly plague our aquariums. We kick off the series with the infamous Black Brush Algae a/k/a BBA. News
Get to know Black Brush Algae (BBA)Black brush algae (BBA) is one of the toughest algae to get rid of in the aquarium. It’s tenacious and can overtake and suffocate your plants in a matter of a couple of weeks if not controlled. It belongs to the Phylum Rhodophyta (Greek meaning, red plant) that includes 5,000 to 6,000 species of mostly multicellular, marine algae. There are 164 freshwater species mostly in the genus Lemanea and Audouinella. Black brush algae (BBA) is stiff bristle-like branched or unbranched similar to a coarse horsehair. You can recognize it in tight tufts on hardscape and will line the edges of your plant leaves. It’s also known ask black beard algae because it resembles coarse beard hair. It’s blue-green to olive to dark grey in color when young. It’s typically found in fast-moving streams where it’s ability to anchor itself comes in handy. Unfortunately, that same ability makes it extremely difficult to remove. How does black brush algae (BBA) get into your aquariumEasy. It hitchhiked in via plants or even in the guts of fish or inverts. Once the spores are in, they can reproduce quickly under the right conditions. Does CO2 deficiency or inconsistency lead to black brush algae (BBA)?Yes, but this isn’t specific to BBA. Inconsistent or deficient CO2 will cause an imbalance in the golden equilibrium that will cause any algae to grow, not just BBA. So, although this is widely thought to be a cause of BBA outbreaks, it’s not totally correct. Does vitamin B12 cause black brush algae (BBA)?Well, that’s an interesting question. There’s a great thread on this at the UKAPS, entitled What exactly causes BBA? Part 2 - Bacterial imbalance. Here’s the summarized version: High organics in the aquarium cause heterotrophic bacteria to grow exponentially and outcompete the common nitrifying bacteria that we’re used to. Heterotrophic bacteria will result in an increase in vitamin B12 as a byproduct and a decrease in O2 further limiting nitrifying bacteria. Black brush algae (BBA) uses B12 to grow and the decreased nitrification causes an excess of ammonium that algae use to grow. Problems with this theory:
How to eliminate Black Brush Algae (BBA)It is my opinion that, just like any algae, an imbalance in the golden equilibrium is what causes algae outbreaks. So, first and foremost, it is critical to rebalance the golden equilibrium. Known methods to control black brush algae (BBA)
Housekeeping
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Mon, 26 October 2015
Dosing Vinegar in Your AquariumYes, I mean real vinegar. Literally. Here's what you'll learn:
Links mentioned:
If you're not listening to this podcast on the ScapeFu app, why not? It would help us out tremendously AND you get the app-only Ask Art Podcast. Go get it: |
Wed, 21 October 2015
Aqvainnova is finally here!In episode 45 of the ScapeFu Podcast, JJ talks with Esther Mous of Aqvainnova, a new company created to bring quality aquarium plants to the USA. What you'll learn:
ScapeFu Supplemental Post on Aqvainnova and ScapeFu #45 Links mentioned:
Housekeeping
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Mon, 21 September 2015
"I would love to set up one of those beautiful planted aquariums but I don't have the money right now." Do you know someone who's said that? Perhaps, it's been your excuse? In ScapeFu Podcast #44, Jurijs and Art commit to a new challenge. They will go from zero to a full aquascape for about $100. In the episode, they explain how they plan on doing it. It won't be easy and thinking outside the box will critical. Can they do it? What do you think? Here is Art's list of materials:
Total: $137.96 ($37.96 over at the moment) Here is Jurijs' list of materials:
Total: 151.27€ (51.27€ over at the moment) What do you think of the lists? Tell us in the comments below! Why don't you join us?Got an extra C-note to spare? Why don't you join us in this challenge?? We'd love to have company! Tell us what your list would be and send us pictures as you build it. Let's build the $100 aquascape together. HousekeepingScapeFu App - if you don't have it already, we would VERY MUCH appreciate it if you would help us out by downloading the ScapeFu App. Here's what you get:
The iOS version of the ScapeFu App. The Android version of the ScapeFu App. ScapeFu Tribe Community - we now have a small forum to discuss ScapeFu Podcast episodes. Go check it out! Affiliate disclaimer- some of the links above are Amazon referral links. ScapeFu will receive a small affiliate referral fee if you purchase via that link. It doesn't increase the amount you pay and it helps us defray the cost of ScapeFu. We thank you for your help. |
Sun, 13 September 2015
Light Basics for Planted Aquariums Part 1 | ScapeFu043In this episode of the ScapeFu Podcast, Art introduces the concept of light for the planted aquarium. It's intended for beginners and presents complicated concepts in an easy to understand format. More advanced concepts will be explained in following podcasts. Please read the shownotes in conjunction with this podcast episode. Related ScapeFu Podcast episodes: Lighting for the planted aquarium Housekeeping:
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Mon, 7 September 2015
Moss Graffiti: A Foolproof? Moss Starting Method | ScapeFu042In this episode, Art walks you step-by-step through this method of starting moss for your aquascape. Want that old, moss covered forest look? This is how to get it. The ScapeFu App: Items mentioned in this episodes: |
Sun, 30 August 2015
We Are BackHi! We hope you had a great summer! JJ, Jurijs and I are back to our regular ScapeFu recording schedule. This is a short episode. We go over what we've been up to and Jurijs shares some of what he's going through moving his aquariums to a different city. Read more about it on Jurijs' Facebook page. Announcements
Thank you so much for listening and supporting the ScapeFu Podcast. As always, you can reach us at feedback@scapefu.com Best personal regards, Art Pennom |
Mon, 24 August 2015
Update and Housekeeping Art explains the reason for the recent lack of episodes. He goes on to make some announcements:
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Mon, 6 July 2015
Modding Your Aquarium Cabinet Jurijs and Art discuss how you can, and should, modify your cabinet to make it as beautiful as your aquarium.
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Mon, 29 June 2015
In episode 39 of the ScapeFu Podcast, Art has a one hour conversation with professional aquascaper, George Farmer. It's a thought-provoking and educational conversation you won't want to miss.
Join the ScapeFu Tribe to be notified by email when each episode is released. |
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