BBA

[magsdez]

Hey all. Have a quick question about BBA. I think that's what has been covering the leaves in my 75gal. That's my big tank. It's heavily planted, good lights, co2, and dosed with ferts 3 times a week. Scott and I used the EI dosing system including the weekly water changes!
We also have 3 SAE's and 4 ottos to help with algae control, but the leaves still have that black covering. Not completely, but enough to give the leaves a "dirty" look. Anyhow, I've been doing some more research online and trying to remember what you all have told me. I think someone said to use Excel to help kill off the base layer (SAE's preventing the 'bush' part from growing), but to becareful because it will damage my vals. I have lots of vals. What would be a good ratio of Excel and how long should we treat for? Anyother suggestions for treatment? It's not fezable to pull out all of the contaminated plants for bleach baths.
One other question. The leaves on my Crypts are still curling under lengthwise (tip to stem) and I can't figure out why. I've been dosing with potassium, trace, KNO3, K2SO4, and iron at about double the dose with no change. Still haven't bought the KH2PO4 though. I was reading that it could be a calcium deffciency, but I thought that would have been covered by the trace and the well water. Any suggestions on this one too?

Thanks all!

[Jeff120]

Your CO2 is low. How are you testing the CO2?

[magsdez]

Haven't in a while. I would like to get a drop checker, but haven't gotten around to making that purchase. Guess we'll up the co2 and give that a shot. Thanks!