Algae (pronounced AL-Jee) are simple forms of marine life. They are pretty basic: they lack leaves, roots, flowers, seeds and all the other things that we normally associate with plants. The term "algae" is a framework that the term used to denote all forms of marine life that are capable of photosynthesis (converting sunlight into energy), although some forms of algae rely entirely on 'external supplies of energy (in the form of protein and fish waste in water) for food.
As for your tropical aquarium, the algae is certainly an unwanted visitor - a real eyesore. Of course, certain levels of algae are expected; small amounts are inevitable, where there is light, nutrients and water in combination.
However, when the levels get high enough to be visible to the naked eye, you have a surplus.Unless you maintain your aquarium regularly, you can almost count on regular growths of algae obscuring your fish, smell the water and, more generally, affect the aesthetic of your tank.
But what is it - and how do you get rid of it?
Well, it depends on the type of algae that you have, because everyone must be treated in a specific manner. The most common forms of algae to affect tropical fish tanks are:
* Brown Algae
* Green Algae
* Blue-green algae
* Green water
What to do about brown algae
The brown algae are usually the first to appear in a new reservoir. It is very easy to see: it looks like cloudy brown slime growing on the sides and bottom of your aquarium, as well as hang on gravel, rocks and ornaments.
Limiting the light makes no difference to this type of algae because it is perfectly able to grow at low lighting levels.
Instead, you need to cut back on available nutrients to sustain its growth - which means feeding your fish less. High protein levels in the reservoir, fish from food, fuel, it will be the growth of algae.
Even if your fish are eating all the food you give them does not mean that you are feeding their quantity when it comes to food, fish are opportunistic, meaning they will eat all that is available regardless of the feed you much. If they are too, they excrete the undigested food - floating around the tank, feeding algae instead!
Make sure you follow the instructions on fish-food, to be sure you're minimizing nutrient levels appropriately.
In addition to maintaining levels of the food down, make sure you're maintaining your tank adequately with enough water changes and gravel filter and cleaning.
If brown algae appears in an established aquarium, you'll need to check the phosphate and nitrate levels, that too a willingness to foster the growth of algae.
If the problem remains ongoing, you can use algae-eaters. These are bottom-dwelling fish - such as the American-flag fish and the Siamese algae eater - which feed on algae and are generally stored by shops for pets and fish traders. They will make quick work of your brown algae problem!
What if green algae
Green algae appear in any tank with plenty of light. Fortunately, it is easy to remove (it does not cling to the glass too) and most algae eaters consume enthusiastically.
For green algae, make sure you're minimizing the protein in the tank, as you would for brown algae. Start by cutting the fish-feed a quarter, and pay particular attention to the appearance of your fish: if their bodies become thin and flat, they are not eating enough. They should receive enough food to remain slightly round body.
Keep your aquarium in stock with great eating algae, and the problem should take care of itself (although it bears repeating that a certain amount of algae, particularly green algae, is expected ).
What to do when blue-green algae
The blue-green algae is technically not really an algae in the true sense of the word - is in fact a form of bacteria called cyanobacteria, a type of bacteria capable of photosynthesis. Cyanobacteria is one of the oldest agencies in the world, and is thought to have been around for at least 3.5 billion years!
It looks like a slimy coating in a number of blue-green shades, waste and discards, it may indeed be toxic to fish - another good reason to keep to a strict minimum.
The good thing about blue-green algae is that it is easy to remove manually: usually forms "sheets" of the matter suspended in water, which can easily be scooped.
The bad news is it's pretty rustic, even after complete removal, you usually are back the next day
This algae is usually caused by low levels of nitrates (often in combination with high levels of phosphate), and an imbalance of bacteria in the water.
How to get rid of this persistent eyesore:
* Block all light for a week and siphon the dead algae from the tank every day. Your plants will be feeling sorry for themselves by the seventh day, but they must recover.
* Add new bacteria after every water change. You can purchase bacteria pellets for this express purpose of your store for pets and Aquarium offers dealer. Ask for bacteria pellets that remove ammonia and excess protein water.
* Be strict with your tank maintenance: keep everything clean, check the filter for clogging, make sure the lights are working adequately (blue-green algae needs light to survive, but good fluorescents are necessary to maintain an adequate balance of bacteria and plant life in the tank).
What to do in case of green water
If water in your tank is green, cloudy and dark, then you have green water. It is a form of free-floating algae which hangs suspended in the water, giving it that characteristic opacity - in some cases, the water becomes so green that fish are no longer visible .
It is usually due to an excess of light (sunlight in general, as opposed to too much fluorescent), or a problem with your water quality.
To address this problem:
* Block all sunlight from reaching your tank for several days a week. You can do this by draping fabric of your tank or make all the curtains still drawn in the room where your aquarium is placed. This is very effective.
* Keep your filter mesh as fine as you can: most generic filters come with pretty coarse mesh, so replace it with a fine-meshed sponge or use a diatomic filter (designed specifically to address the problems of algae). Do not forget to regularly check the filter, or it will obstructed.
General algae prevention tips
Regular maintenance of your tank is one of the best preventive measures when it comes to algae:
* Change water regularly
* Clean regularly aquarium
* Use a UV filter in the tank
* Locate the container away from direct sunlight
* Do not overcrowd the fish
* Keep food at levels
* Reduce unless the ventilation of your aquarium is very well stocked: airstones vents and keep to a minimum
* Use your plants' nitrate and phosphate absorption capacity: stock your aquarium with lots of fast-growing species like Ambulia and Egeria
Maintaining a healthy, attractive aquarium can be a complex task - there's so much to keep track of!
For smart, relevant, comprehensive and easy to follow tips on keeping a standard of professional aquarium, we recommend Katy tropical fish - a complete guide.
It is packed with insider advice for holding a fabulous aquarium, regardless of budget and experience - all aspects of tropical aquarium maintenance are covered, health from fish to algae compatibility problems for fish. It is an owner's manual!
As for your tropical aquarium, the algae is certainly an unwanted visitor - a real eyesore. Of course, certain levels of algae are expected; small amounts are inevitable, where there is light, nutrients and water in combination.
However, when the levels get high enough to be visible to the naked eye, you have a surplus.Unless you maintain your aquarium regularly, you can almost count on regular growths of algae obscuring your fish, smell the water and, more generally, affect the aesthetic of your tank.
But what is it - and how do you get rid of it?
Well, it depends on the type of algae that you have, because everyone must be treated in a specific manner. The most common forms of algae to affect tropical fish tanks are:
* Brown Algae
* Green Algae
* Blue-green algae
* Green water
What to do about brown algae
The brown algae are usually the first to appear in a new reservoir. It is very easy to see: it looks like cloudy brown slime growing on the sides and bottom of your aquarium, as well as hang on gravel, rocks and ornaments.
Limiting the light makes no difference to this type of algae because it is perfectly able to grow at low lighting levels.
Instead, you need to cut back on available nutrients to sustain its growth - which means feeding your fish less. High protein levels in the reservoir, fish from food, fuel, it will be the growth of algae.
Even if your fish are eating all the food you give them does not mean that you are feeding their quantity when it comes to food, fish are opportunistic, meaning they will eat all that is available regardless of the feed you much. If they are too, they excrete the undigested food - floating around the tank, feeding algae instead!
Make sure you follow the instructions on fish-food, to be sure you're minimizing nutrient levels appropriately.
In addition to maintaining levels of the food down, make sure you're maintaining your tank adequately with enough water changes and gravel filter and cleaning.
If brown algae appears in an established aquarium, you'll need to check the phosphate and nitrate levels, that too a willingness to foster the growth of algae.
If the problem remains ongoing, you can use algae-eaters. These are bottom-dwelling fish - such as the American-flag fish and the Siamese algae eater - which feed on algae and are generally stored by shops for pets and fish traders. They will make quick work of your brown algae problem!
What if green algae
Green algae appear in any tank with plenty of light. Fortunately, it is easy to remove (it does not cling to the glass too) and most algae eaters consume enthusiastically.
For green algae, make sure you're minimizing the protein in the tank, as you would for brown algae. Start by cutting the fish-feed a quarter, and pay particular attention to the appearance of your fish: if their bodies become thin and flat, they are not eating enough. They should receive enough food to remain slightly round body.
Keep your aquarium in stock with great eating algae, and the problem should take care of itself (although it bears repeating that a certain amount of algae, particularly green algae, is expected ).
What to do when blue-green algae
The blue-green algae is technically not really an algae in the true sense of the word - is in fact a form of bacteria called cyanobacteria, a type of bacteria capable of photosynthesis. Cyanobacteria is one of the oldest agencies in the world, and is thought to have been around for at least 3.5 billion years!
It looks like a slimy coating in a number of blue-green shades, waste and discards, it may indeed be toxic to fish - another good reason to keep to a strict minimum.
The good thing about blue-green algae is that it is easy to remove manually: usually forms "sheets" of the matter suspended in water, which can easily be scooped.
The bad news is it's pretty rustic, even after complete removal, you usually are back the next day
This algae is usually caused by low levels of nitrates (often in combination with high levels of phosphate), and an imbalance of bacteria in the water.
How to get rid of this persistent eyesore:
* Block all light for a week and siphon the dead algae from the tank every day. Your plants will be feeling sorry for themselves by the seventh day, but they must recover.
* Add new bacteria after every water change. You can purchase bacteria pellets for this express purpose of your store for pets and Aquarium offers dealer. Ask for bacteria pellets that remove ammonia and excess protein water.
* Be strict with your tank maintenance: keep everything clean, check the filter for clogging, make sure the lights are working adequately (blue-green algae needs light to survive, but good fluorescents are necessary to maintain an adequate balance of bacteria and plant life in the tank).
What to do in case of green water
If water in your tank is green, cloudy and dark, then you have green water. It is a form of free-floating algae which hangs suspended in the water, giving it that characteristic opacity - in some cases, the water becomes so green that fish are no longer visible .
It is usually due to an excess of light (sunlight in general, as opposed to too much fluorescent), or a problem with your water quality.
To address this problem:
* Block all sunlight from reaching your tank for several days a week. You can do this by draping fabric of your tank or make all the curtains still drawn in the room where your aquarium is placed. This is very effective.
* Keep your filter mesh as fine as you can: most generic filters come with pretty coarse mesh, so replace it with a fine-meshed sponge or use a diatomic filter (designed specifically to address the problems of algae). Do not forget to regularly check the filter, or it will obstructed.
General algae prevention tips
Regular maintenance of your tank is one of the best preventive measures when it comes to algae:
* Change water regularly
* Clean regularly aquarium
* Use a UV filter in the tank
* Locate the container away from direct sunlight
* Do not overcrowd the fish
* Keep food at levels
* Reduce unless the ventilation of your aquarium is very well stocked: airstones vents and keep to a minimum
* Use your plants' nitrate and phosphate absorption capacity: stock your aquarium with lots of fast-growing species like Ambulia and Egeria
Maintaining a healthy, attractive aquarium can be a complex task - there's so much to keep track of!
For smart, relevant, comprehensive and easy to follow tips on keeping a standard of professional aquarium, we recommend Katy tropical fish - a complete guide.
It is packed with insider advice for holding a fabulous aquarium, regardless of budget and experience - all aspects of tropical aquarium maintenance are covered, health from fish to algae compatibility problems for fish. It is an owner's manual!
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