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Starting Over
Blackbeard Algae finally won the war in my aquarium. The outcome was inevitable. My choices created the ideal environment for the nasty stuff to thrive. Removing infected plants, washing equipment with peroxide, and replacing at least a fourth of the water every week kept the algae at bay for about three years. I knew it…
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Winning…So Far
Blackbeard Algae (BBA) is a nasty aquarium pest with no redeeming qualities. Few scavengers eat it and none in sufficient quantity to make a difference. Unlike other algae, UV filters don’t kill the spores. Getting rid of it is next to impossible. There are several prevention strategies. Keeping the light on less would solve the…
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Fish Keeping, My Way
An employee at a local pet store often shares pictures of her pristine aquariums. They are lovely. She has three rules for success: No livebearers, no live plants, and no lights when she’s not looking at the tank. I’m happy for her, but no thanks. I’ve loved livebearers since grade school–especially guppies and mollies. Even…