In established aquarium can Algae be beneficial, but harmful if not under control. On the other hand, algae is also a food source for some fish. Aquarium algae spread by spores, which can be transported on live plants, on fish, and even in the gut of newly bought fish. Bad news some algae spores are airborne.<\/p>\n
Are algae good or bad for your fish tank? Algae can be beneficial for established aquariums by an extra layer of filtration for nitrates, phosphorus, ammonia and other potentially toxic by-products from your fish and plants. Algae can be a fish food source. High level of Algae is also an indicator of a neglected fish tank.<\/strong><\/p>\n
So it is easy to say algae will visit your fish tank also, it is a matter of time. It is a matter of how good you are prepared to control it and reduce it.\u00a0 It can be definitely called an uninvited guest also, let’s dive deeper into it.<\/span><\/p>\n
You have worked so hard to set up your freshwater aquarium. You have gotten beautiful fish, gorgeous d\u00e9cor, only the best not cheap substrate and filtration systems, and only the finest algae. Wait. Algae? Who invited algae to your tank party?<\/span><\/p>\n
The bad news is that algae will always find a way to grow in your aquarium. This invasive plant will quickly take over your entire tank, using valuable nutrients and putting a strain on the bio-balance. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
There are many types of algae, and not all of it is bad for your tank. \u00a0There are also many treatment options for getting rid of algae and returning your tank to its pristine beauty again.<\/span><\/p>\n
Algae is spread by spores, which can be transported on live plants, on fish, and even in the gut of new fish. Some algae spores are airborne. Once the spores are in the water, they can lie dormant for a very long time until the conditions are right for them to bloom.<\/span><\/p>\n
Formerly considered a plant, algae is classified as a protist, a group of living organisms that do not fall under the category of fungus, animals or plants.\u00a0<\/span>This group also includes the amoeba and paramecium, those science class favorites from school. Protists generally consist of one cell or form colonies of cells. They reproduce asexually by splitting their cells, so it\u2019s easy to see why a small problem in your aquarium can quickly spiral out of control.<\/span><\/p>\n
Algae have chlorophyll and use photosynthesis, like plants. Algae, however, lacks leaves, root systems, or true stems, unlike organisms that are classified as plants. Algae can be microscopic, like the Micromonas Pusilla, or very large like the giant kelp reaching nearly ten meters in length found along the coastlines of the Pacific Ocean.<\/span><\/p>\n
It is not confined to fresh or saltwater environments, though, and can be found on dry land in tropical regions where it is moist and warm as well as in deserts where they have evolved to survive harsher conditions. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Algae has many practical uses and is farmed in a process known as Algaculture. Algae can be used for medicines, cooking oils, fertilizers, natural food coloring and dyes, and bio-plastic products. Algae is high in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids and is frequently used for these ingredients in many health supplements. With that being said, please do not try to extract algae from your fish tank to supplement the diet.<\/span><\/p>\n
Sugar substitute products can be made from algae, as can cosmetics. Environmentalists use algae to filter water and clean up pollutants from wastewater management sites, filtering CO2 released into the air as part of our carbon footprints, and fuel. Additionally, algae can be a key component in the production of hydrogen.<\/span><\/p>\n
While none of this applies to the casual aquarium keeping hobby, it is still good to know that algae can be useful rather than just a menace to your fish tank.<\/span><\/p>\n
The term algae refer to the organisms as an entire group; this group can be broken down into many distinct types. Of these many types of algae, seven are well-known plagues to aquarium owners everywhere. Each has its own life cycle in your tank and can be caused by a variety of different things.<\/span><\/p>\n
Brown Algae is a common complication many freshwater aquarium enthusiasts face when first setting up their fish tanks, but as additional problems arise within the tank brown algae may appear again. Brown algae do not require bright light; it thrives in low lighting, so reducing the amount of light in your tank will not help to eradicate brown algae. <\/span><\/p>\n
Brown algae will appear as fluffy spots on your plants, glass, substrate, rocks, and other d\u00e9cor. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Brown algae live best in water situations that may be harmful to your fish, so its appearance could mean you have other unhealthy things going on in the tank as well. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
This species is more of a bacteria than algae, and it can have devastating effects on your overall aquarium health. It is distinguishable by its foul odor and very slimy feel. Blue Green Algae will coat your gravel, d\u00e9cor, the border of your gravel against the glass, and usually the back surfaces of the aquarium in large sheets. <\/span><\/p>\n
As quickly as you can manually get rid of blue green algae, it will reappear and spread rapidly. Blue Green Algae is, in fact, one of the oldest living organisms on the planet. While it is not inherently dangerous to your aquarium inhabitants, it is very unsightly and fast spreading.<\/span><\/p>\n
The biggest cause of Blue Green Algae is poor water circulation. So you definitely need to pay attention to:<\/span><\/p>\n
This is a very tenacious species of algae, but you can combat it by improving the circulation in your tank. <\/span>You could try:<\/span><\/p>\n
In addition to improving water circulation, test the parameters in your tank to be sure your tank water is balanced properly. Unfortunately, no matter how hard you try, some small pockets of blue green algae may still survive in small, hard to find areas and bloom again.<\/span><\/p>\n
By far, Green Hair is the most common algae you will come across in your freshwater aquarium. This algae can have many different appearances such as hair or spots and can be found independently or <\/span>together in groups. It can grow to an impressive length of 1 inch and quickly overrun your fish tank. <\/span><\/p>\n
Some common causes of green hair algae include:<\/span><\/p>\n
Green hair algae are relatively easy to eliminate, however, and you can try:<\/span><\/p>\n
This algae, also known as disc algae, can be found on your plants and aquarium glass walls. It typically presents as small, rounded green spots. These algae spots are hard, rather than soft compare to green hair algae, and will stubbornly adhere to surfaces. Eventually, the spots will spread to a continuous hard sheet on affected areas. <\/span><\/p>\n
This is a very difficult algae to physically remove and will need to be scraped off surfaces, usually with a razor or a commercial tool made specifically for that purpose. <\/span><\/p>\n
Other ways to rid yourself of green spot algae are:<\/span><\/p>\n
This species tends to grow along the edges of plants and d\u00e9cor in your tank, as well as near the filter system. \u00a0As its name implies, the algae will grow in short bushy tufts of black or red. It is also known as black beard algae, due to its beard-like appearance on the edge of your plants. Black red brush algae clings stubbornly to surfaces, making it very difficult to remove. <\/span><\/p>\n
This algae usually indicates an imbalance in the parameters of your water, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n
If left untreated, this stubborn species will quickly overtake and kill your plants. Because black red brush algae is linked to improper water parameters in the tank, it can be combatted by:<\/span><\/p>\n
This species can grow on plants and rocks, with various colors from gray, to green, black, and even red. Stag Horn Algae grow with offshoots that resemble a deer\u2019s antlers, or branches on a tree. Most algae eaters will not eat this species, and it is hard to manually remove once established.<\/span><\/p>\n
Stag horn algae are almost always directly related to dirty and neglected fish tanks. These species thrive when:<\/span><\/p>\n
Since stag horn algae are usually associated with dirty fish tanks, steps can be taken to clean your tank and rid yourself of this pesky algae species:<\/span><\/p>\n
This is probably one of the most aggravating algae species for freshwater aquariums. \u00a0The entire tank will turn green and cloudy with the presence of tiny, single-celled, free-floating, algae called planktonic algae. <\/span><\/p>\n
It is easy to panic when your beautiful aquarium has turned murky and green, but you can usually reverse it by:<\/span><\/p>\n
Believe it or not, small amounts of certain types of algae are beneficial for your aquarium.\u00a0<\/span>Plants and trees benefit land creatures by filtering toxins and producing oxygen; this is exactly what algae do for your tank. Of special importance is the algae\u2019s ability to cycle nitrogen components, like ammonia and nitrates. This is especially significant if your aquarium does not feature live plants that cycle the nutrients naturally.<\/span><\/p>\n
Some species of freshwater aquarium snails and dwellers love to nibble on algae in the fish tank. Some livebearers, such as Mollies and Swordfish, Butterfly Splitfins, The Siamese Flying Fish, and many cichlids will enjoy an algae snack. <\/span><\/p>\n
Adding algae eaters, catfish, snails, and shrimp will make your tank more diverse while keeping the algae population under control. Read more about Algae Eaters for Fish Tank<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n
Some types of algae are a good sign that your aquarium is healthy. <\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
What kind of Algae is beneficial for the fish tank?<\/h4>\n
Brown algae and green hair algae are the most common types of algae in most tanks, and these are very beneficial for additional filtration of nitrites and harmful toxins. <\/span><\/p>\n
What kind of Algae is harmful to the fish tank?<\/h4>\n
If other algae are present, like staghorn algae, it could be an indicator that something is not right with your fish tank. Correcting the parameters to rid yourself of harmful algae species will also allow you to fix issues that will potentially be dangerous for your fish if allowed to continue unchecked.<\/span><\/p>\n
I like the look of a controlled amount of algae in the fish tank, it looks more natural.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Some aquarium enthusiasts like the look of a controlled amount of algae in their tanks, thinking that it looks more natural. These tank owners will keep their algae confined to certain areas or rocks and allow it to blanket the back glass of the aquarium. \u00a0Too much algae growth, conversely, will make the tank look neglected and dirty. Algae can be kept in smaller, controlled amounts to add to the beauty of the tank.<\/span><\/p>\n
Algae is the only source of Vitamin A for your fish. Thanks to Vitamin A, fish colours are bright and have beautiful shine.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Fish are unable to produce carotene, an important vitamin that aids in the production of Vitamin A. Fish will get carotene from the plants and algae in the aquarium. One benefit of Vitamin A for fish is that it is what allows them to have such brilliant, beautiful colors.<\/span><\/p>\n
Algae is not in and of itself harmful to your fish, but the underlying problems that allow the algae to form could indicate issues in the tank that are potentially very harmful to them.<\/span><\/p>\n
However, it also does add to the bio-load of your tank. Algae uses nutrients just like aquarium plants do, and too many algae can cause imbalances. Additionally, most fish and algae eaters will not touch some types of algae, like staghorn algae or brown algae. These algae must be controlled in other ways, or they will quickly overgrow the tank and smother your plants. <\/span><\/p>\n
How to Control Algae Growth Naturally<\/span><\/h3>\n
The best way to control algae growth is naturally or by changing some of the tank parameters themselves. \u00a0Feeding, manual removal, temperature adjustments, exposure to light, and checking the nutrient levels of your tank are easy, natural methods to control or eliminate algae.<\/span><\/p>\n
7 easy ways how to naturally keep algae grown under control<\/h4>\n
1 – Control the amount of light for the aquarium: \u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n
Depending on the species of algae you are combatting, you may need to keep your aquarium lights on longer or shorter cycles. \u00a0Additionally, using a UV light or a UV sterilizer will control the algae as well. Algae will proliferate in sunlight, so setting the tank up in full sunlight is not a good idea. \u00a0A complete blackout may be necessary if the algae have gotten very bad; the lights should be left off for several days while the filter is set for maximum water circulation. This will prevent photosynthesis and encourage the algae to die off, but be aware it could adversely affect your live plants as well.<\/span><\/p>\n
2 – Manual removal of algae directly from the tank<\/span><\/h5>\n
You can buy several types of manual algae removal tools in any aquarium supply store. \u00a0These include sponges, scrapers, mitts, and magnets to remove algae from the sides of the tank. \u00a0Live plants and d\u00e9cor can be removed and cleaned with a weak solution of bleach, thoroughly rinsed and allowed to dry before being placed back into the tanks. \u00a0Investing in an aquarium vacuum will help clean the gravel and d\u00e9cor as well.<\/span><\/p>\n
3 – Increase the number of live plants in a tank<\/span><\/h5>\n
Increasing your living plants in moderation will help to slow algae growth. \u00a0The plants will compete for the same nutrients that the algae need to survive, and certain plants are known to be natural algae repellents.<\/span><\/p>\n
4 – Monitor your water quality in the\u00a0fish tank<\/span><\/h5>\n
Make sure your levels are all in good alignment and then try to avoid the things that will cause imbalances such as overfeeding, not cleaning the filters, overcrowding, and leaving debris at the bottom of the tank. \u00a0Maintain the balance of the tank with regular water changes, as well.<\/span><\/p>\n
5 – Improve water circulation in the tank<\/span><\/h5>\n
Invest in a high-quality filter with good outlets, make sure the filters are all clean and running smoothly, and consider air stones to keep water moving in your tanks. If you guess that algae will not settle in areas that are subject to movement, you are totally right.<\/span><\/p>\n
6 – Get fish that will help you control algae – “algae eater”<\/span><\/h5>\n
Some fish species will snack on algae, while others will eat it exclusively. \u00a0Snails and shrimps<\/a> will eat algae, as will catfish, Plecostomus, Chinese Algae Eaters<\/a>. \u00a0Several ornamental fish will eat algae as well, such as Mollies. Most algae eaters are peaceful, but some do require more than one to thrive. \u00a0Always make sure your fish are not aggressive; some fish enjoy a tasty feast of shrimp or snails. Be aware when choosing algae eaters that not all of them will eat every type of algae, and that these fish will need to be supplemented with vegetables or special algae discs and other types of specialized foods.<\/span><\/p>\n
7 – Try Bacteria<\/span><\/h5>\n
One organic method involves solutions that contain bacteria. These bacteria will eat the algae itself, but will also eat and absorb excess nutrients that the algae need to survive.<\/span><\/p>\n
Chemical Removal of Algae<\/span><\/h3>\n
Chemical water treatment to remove algae is always a last resort. The chemicals and treatments that kill the algae can also harm your live plants as well. Additionally, killed algae with chemicals will affect your bio-load negatively. Remember, dead algae is debris in your water, the same as food and dead plants or leaves. <\/span><\/p>\n
If you have tried to remove algae naturally, however, and are unhappy with the results, there are a few options.<\/span><\/p>\n
3 recommended solutions on how to get rid of algae with chemical removals<\/h4>\n
1 – Hydrogen Peroxide<\/span><\/h5>\n
Use only a 3% solution, and use it with a Sochting Oxydator to doses from 8 to 35 milliliters per fifty liters of water. \u00a0Try to avoid pouring it directly onto fish, and plants. You will cause an issue of discolored or even death. Or even try cheap <\/span>Sochting Oxydator Mini <\/span><\/a>from Amazon.<\/span><\/p>\n
2 – Antibiotics<\/span><\/h5>\n
While antibiotics are useful against some algae, they will kill beneficial bacteria in your tank as well.\u00a0Before use pls, read instructions.<\/span><\/p>\n
