There are many types of algae, and the color of light, and water composition determine what will grow in your tank.
Water composition has to do with minerals in your tap, and how much nitrate and other metabolism by products are in the water.
Fluorish has helped in some tanks for me, providing minerals like iron, lacking in my tap water.
Certain algae types, prefer eutrophic (fertile) conditions, some, many green algal types, grow best in relatively pollution free conditions (not much nitrate, but lots of sun).
Back in my college days, when studying microbiology, I had an entire textbook dedicated to the types of algae in the American great lakes, there were thousands of species. And part of my later job was to do algae counts, that would indicate the pollution composition of our source water.
I agree with Mark, you need certain bulbs, for your tanks water composition, which are unique to your own situation.
I would often start algae in containers on tank rocks, and other decor outside, with water from water changes, sitting in the sun. If I liked the species that grew, after it was established, I'd either bring rocks or pieces of wood in and place in a tank, or harvest it.
Certain cichlid species (like pearsei, and bocourtii) especially liked hair algae.
Water composition has to do with minerals in your tap, and how much nitrate and other metabolism by products are in the water.
Fluorish has helped in some tanks for me, providing minerals like iron, lacking in my tap water.
Certain algae types, prefer eutrophic (fertile) conditions, some, many green algal types, grow best in relatively pollution free conditions (not much nitrate, but lots of sun).
Back in my college days, when studying microbiology, I had an entire textbook dedicated to the types of algae in the American great lakes, there were thousands of species. And part of my later job was to do algae counts, that would indicate the pollution composition of our source water.
I agree with Mark, you need certain bulbs, for your tanks water composition, which are unique to your own situation.
I would often start algae in containers on tank rocks, and other decor outside, with water from water changes, sitting in the sun. If I liked the species that grew, after it was established, I'd either bring rocks or pieces of wood in and place in a tank, or harvest it.
Certain cichlid species (like pearsei, and bocourtii) especially liked hair algae.
