Cut Java Fern Back To Rhizome?

[blackers92]

Hi Guys

Had a bad case of BBA that has attacked my Needle Leaf Java Fern, Anubias Nana, and Anubias Nana Petite. I will probably remove all the anubias and dip them in a weak bleach or excel, manually remove as much of it from my bogwood as possible and spot dose with excel. As for my Needle Leaf I think that my actual leaves may be a lost cause. I understand that Ferns propagate from other ferns which has me wondering if cutting all the leaves of the rhizome would be a bad idea.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated as it took me a while to source these plants!

Also My photo period is 8 hours
Co2 is at 30ppm according to my drop check with 4dkh (homemade)
E.I dosing
50% water change weekly
Very lightly stocked, 17 gallon (4 Danio)
Inline atomizer.
Other plants include, Crypts, Styaro and Hairgrass.

 

[ghettofarmulous]

I have exact same setup with same plants, mines only been up a week so would love some info so I can prevent it.

Bump

 

[blackers92]

After doing more research the consensus seems the be that java fern can be cut back to the rhizome however it will take months to grow back out. As for the BBA raising your CO2 to 30ppm will prevent it from spreading, I am overdosing my tank with Excel as people have had success with it. Adding SAE is not an option for me as the tank is far too small! If the Excel fails I will probably spot dose infected anubias and leave the filter off for half an hour so that the excel will stay in the area of BBA. If that doesn't work I will manually remove the Anubias and treat each leaf. Apparently putting small nicks on the anubias rhizome will promote new shoots. I will try this on my Nana but not Petite.

Hopefully I can remove as much as possibly, according to most of the internet the main cause of it is fluctuating CO2 levels and high flow. (Ironically some people suggest increasing the flow to combat it)