Aquarium Algae Introduction

First of all, let us understand what are algae. Algae are plant like, usually microscopic organisms that conduct photosynthesis like larger plants, but they lack stems, roots and leaves. Not only do they assist in breaking down organic matter, but they also provide organic matter to the soil. One common example of algae is the Seaweeds.

There are some common type of aquarium algae namely Green water, Green algae, Brown algae, Blue green algae and Red algae.

Green water is the most common algae and the term “Algae Bloom” is usually used to describe a major outbreak of it. They are caused by the growth of microscopic algae that are suspended in the water. The appearance of green water indicates that the water contains too much dissolve fish water. It is more frustrating then any other type of algae as it cannot be removed by wiping or scraping. Water change does little help too as they will come back within 24hrs after the water change. There are 3 major ways to deal with a Green Water algae bloom. One is use a diatomic filter ( Diatomagic Filter is a good one worth a try). Another is to use the black out method, which is use something like a blanket or black paper to cover the tank to block out all light excess into the aquarium. Lastly is to buy a UV Sterilizer that kills the green water algae.

Brown algae are another common algae found in New tanks. Usually appear around 2-10weeks after the tank was setted up and will naturally go away once the tank mature. The main cause of this type of algae is overfeeding. Most algae eating sucker mouth fish will nibble on it.

Green Algae are common on any tanks new or mature. They are able to grow in any tank with sufficient lighting and are usually eaten by algae eating fish or shrimps. The green hair algae and thread algae can be easily removed from the glass by wiping with a cloth or toothbrush.

Blue Green Algae, another common name is Slimes algae. They are caused by a combine effect of high nutrient levels ( particularly phosphorous and nitrogen) and a still or low turbulence water movement. It is very slimy which gives it the name. Grows quickly and covers all surfaces in the aquarium, often giving off an unpleasant swampy or fishy odor. No algae eaters will eat it. The cure for it is usually by Physical removal, doing partial water changes or by adding erythromycin ( around 20mg per gallons). Adding erythromycin is usually not recommended as it will harm other beneficial bacteria as well. Thus try to leave it till the last resort.

Red Algae seem to appear in tanks with high pH level and high carbonate hardness concentration. It is very difficult to remove manually and the only algae eater that eat it is the Siamese algae eater. Other type of cure is to up your CO2 to acceptable levels, soften the water, get your PH down to 7.0 or lower and methods of getting nutrient levels down.

Learn more about keeping a saltwater fish tank and how to buy a used aquarium