What Is Bb?, bad bacteria? Options

[jacky_ckw]

sorry but i don seems to be able to do a search on BB. its seems that the search engine does not allow 2 characters.

my question is: what is BB stated in some of the threads and topics?

[Allan]

Yah, a short coming of forum search engines is they require at least a four characters string; anything less put too much strain on the server.

BB stands for beneficial bacteria.

They exist in all matured (cycled) filter by breaking down ammonia converting ammonia to nitrite and another strain further convert nitrite to (relatively harmless at low ppm) nitrate.

[GF Lover]

sorry but i don seems to be able to do a search on BB. its seems that the search engine does not allow 2 characters.

my question is: what is BB stated in some of the threads and topics? 

It depends on what you are referring to. It can mean Boys' Brigade, or Black babies.

[jacky_ckw]

It depends on what you are referring to. It can mean Boys' Brigade, or Black babies.

hahaha, boys' brigade...
i was trying to find out wat BB stands for in some of the threads i come across, of course not the boys' brigade i was asking.

thanks anyway goldfish Lover

[MyRanchuIsVeryEvil]

Hi all, I have learned a good deal regarding BB from here. But I wonder how does BB looks or feels like? Those slimy film found on the surface of the walls and on the wall of filters, is that BB? I have also read online that BB thrive better in total darkness.. is there any truth to it?

Thanks in advance for clearing my doubts!

[CyberET]

slimy film is fish slime.. u gotta use microscope to see BB
yes, they thrive better in total darkness

[DillIuSionS]

lol....i found the info im looking for!! thnks guys!

[CP]

Jacky,
You had queried on 'cycled tank' and now BB (beneficial bacteria);when you know one you will know both.I will try to keep it simple.
For hobbyist using biological filters (like me ),we depend on BB to complete the 'nitrogen cycle.'This means depending on the BB to convert ammonia (very toxic) to nitrite (also very toxic) to end product nitrates (significantlly less toxic).

Fish,wastes,uneaten food etc produces ammonia.Ammonia too high fish say bye bye.Nitrosomonas bacteria (occurs naturally) will then convert ammonia to nitrites.Nitrites too high also bye bye.Luckily we also have Nitrobacter to convert nitrites to nitrates.When the process is complete,which may take 1 to 3 months,we can say that our tank is 'cycled'.In other words,to know whether your tank is cycled,simply test for presence on nitrates in your water.If you want to be doubly sure,test for ammonia and nitrites as well and their readings shd be zero.

Finally,get rid of nitrates by water change (easiest method) or use LOTS of plants or algae as they will consume the nitrates (not recommended cause not so effective).

Remember you said you clean filter thoroughlly and wash every corner of your tank and I said 'thats the whole problem?'.Well,you will not have cycled tank as you are killing all BB!
You can change 100% water,but do not wash your filter thoroughlly.It is a good idea to have some media to house the bacterias,such as ceramic ($5/= per box) or biohome ($50 per box).Up to you.Rinse them with old tank water if you want to clean.

This is the simplest way that I can put it.

Regards

[jacky_ckw]

thanks for the info cpiw2002
really appreciate it.