Can someone give me a little algea education?
- Thread starter ksauers
- Start date
Green is the only colour I know! lol. A reasonable bioload (no overstocking) and frequent water changes are the key ways to prevent algae build up. I don't think algae is beneficial except as a sign saying that there is too much amonia in the tank (too late), and some fish might eat it.
There are some people here that intentionally increase the growth of algae as a tank aquascape decor.
There are some people here that intentionally increase the growth of algae as a tank aquascape decor.
Standard green, brown (which isn't actually algae), hair (dark green) and black beard (obviously black).
I know of green algae, brown algae and blue algae (which is actually bacteria, but looks like algae) It can be decorative (at least the green, the brown just looks awful) but some people will actually use an algae scrubber (a method of controlled algae growth) to keep nitrates in a tank low.
1. To keep algae growth under control, keep up with water changes (to keep nitrates low)
2. Keep your tank out of direct sunlight and reduce time tank lights are on
3. keep circulation in your tank up so the algae doesnt settle and spread
1. To keep algae growth under control, keep up with water changes (to keep nitrates low)
2. Keep your tank out of direct sunlight and reduce time tank lights are on
3. keep circulation in your tank up so the algae doesnt settle and spread
I forgot about black. You can always scrub to remove algae once it arrives but black is a pain in the neck to scrub off of anything
Brown actually diatoms, not algae. But you could try cutting the light. Eventually the brown will go away and the green will start growing.
What are your nitrate levels at? You can do water changes to lower them if they are high and that will slow the growth. Also like met said, cutting down on light exposure helps. Other than that reduce stock if youre overstocked, feed less if youre overfeeding or make yourself a refugium or add some live plants if you can.
Green, Blue-green, brown, black, hair, red etc. There is a lot of different kinds. Some fish and inverts love the hair algae. Hair algae usually gows from a lack of water movement. I like it cause it feeds some of my inverts. I also don't mind when the green algae grows on rocks and wood, makes the tank look natural it is not anything negative on the system. Brown algae is diatoms and most often present when a tank is new, however it can grow even in mature tanks. It is a sign of excess nutrients in mature tanks, nothing negative to the system, just makes the tank look bad (personal preference). Blue-green algae is not really algae but a cyanobacteria. I am not too familiar with it though so can't say much about it. Black algae, although I do not think it is negative for the system, it is generally not an algae people want, especially in planted tanks. Remember, algae are autotrophs/plants so they photosynthesize. They remove nutrients and provide oxygen to the water.
How new is the tank? If it is fairly new like 6 months running or less do nothing. Let it run its course and it will disappear in time. However if the tank is really mature then cut the lights an hour or more daily, and/or try to limit excess nutrients to the water. Also be sure to wipe it off from glass and objects (mature tank only).