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Algae in the aquarium – how to deal with them?

Algae are very simple organisms that have almost no requirements. Therefore, they grow very quickly. This problem is as old as aquarium hobby itself, which has allowed the development of many ways to deal with it. Check how to make the algae stop disturbing the aesthetics of your aquarium.

Are algae in the aquarium harmful?

At the beginning, it is worth noting that algae are not always and not always a serious problem. They are sometimes an important dietary supplement that has a beneficial effect on some organisms. Unfortunately, their large number has a negative impact not only on the appearance of the aquarium tank.

Excess algae can lead to serious disturbances in water parameters. They weaken plant growth and lead to fish disease. That is why it is necessary to constantly monitor their growth and fight them on many fronts.

Where do the algae in the aquarium come from?

The origin of algae and their excessive growth can come from very different sources. The most common are:

  • excessive stocking;
  • too abundant fertilization of plants;
  • too few plants;
  • for infrequent water changes;
  • excessive lighting;
  • excess nitrogen and phosphorus.

Types of algae in the aquarium

Very different types of algae can appear in your home aquarium. It is useful to know what types of algae have appeared in your aquarium – it will be easier for you to choose the method of algae removal.

Greenery in the aquarium

Green algae are characteristic algae that in the aquarium form a green layer on the glass, plants and the water surface. Their appearance may be the result of many different reasons, often independent of each other. They most often attack newly established aquariums, they can also appear in fully mature tanks.

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The most common reasons for the appearance of green algae in the aquarium are:

  • excessive lighting;
  • overdose of micronutrients.

In order to get rid of green algae, you can use liquid activated carbon. It is also advisable to reduce the exposure. It is possible that in summer you will have to move the tank away from the window.

Diatoms and brown algae in the aquarium

These brown algae in the aquarium appear most often in the first week after setting up the aquarium. Their main source are silicates, i.e. silicic acid salts, which are found in tap water. An additional impulse for the formation of this type of algae is insufficient lighting of the aquarium.

How to get rid of brown algae and diatoms? There are several proven ways to do this:

  • check that the lighting of the tank is properly adjusted to its size and the stocking of the aquarium;
  • wait for the aquarium to mature (if you want to speed up this process, you can buy a ready-made set of bacteria);
  • give up tap water or get aquarium filters that remove silica from the water.

Thread algae in the aquarium

Thread algae are also unwanted guests in our aquarium tanks. This group includes many species that appear when the plants collected in the aquarium are sick or warm to some deficiencies.

The cause of the appearance of thread algae may also be too much ammonia in the water. This, in turn, is a direct consequence of the excessive amount of organic matter that breaks down in the aquarium. These will be both dead fish and metabolic products of an overfed stock.

How to get rid of thread algae? In mature tanks with the right conditions, small amounts usually disappear on their own. If the situation is more serious, you must intervene. What is worth doing?

  • Do basic cleaning work. Remember about water changes, remove dead parts of plants and fish;
  • try to strengthen the condition of the plants or replace them with a smaller amount of healthy and strong ones;
  • You can support the treatment with aquarium activated carbon.
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Cyanobacteria in the aquarium

Cyanobacteria are very characteristic. They have an unpleasant smell and a green-blue color. Their appearance in the aquarium can be quickly noticed with the naked eye.

Where do cyanobacteria come from? Their appearance is related to the fluctuations in the nitrogen level in water and its disproportion in relation to phosphorus. The most effective way to deal with cyanobacteria is to remove them mechanically. You will also need large water changes (up to 50%).

Water bloom in the aquarium

The so-called water bloom in the aquarium tank is the result of the appearance of euglenins. They appear as a result of poor filtration of sudden changes in lighting.

To get rid of euglenophyta, darken the aquarium for a few days. During this time, make significant water changes. Very efficient filtration will be necessary at this time. Use filter cotton wool to get rid of larger pieces of algae.

What aquatic creatures help get rid of algae in the aquarium?

Some inhabitants of the reservoir, called by aquarists the cleaning crew, can help in the fight against algae. It is mainly about:

  • zbrojników – popular algae eaters probably know each of us. Remember, however, that algae are primarily eaten by young animals. When fully mature, they will need additional food;
  • Amano Shrimp – These tiny crustaceans are often the victims of predatory fish, so make sure that no aquarium cast member is tempted to eat them before introducing them.

In addition, algae also feed on:

  • estuary otos;
  • Siamese thick-lips (so-called mowers);
  • molinezje ostrouste.
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Are algae in every aquarium?

Many novice aquarists wonder if algae is something that really cannot be avoided. The fact is that algae spores are found in every aquarium tank. Only their excessive amount becomes a problem.

When we can see algae with the naked eye on the glass and decorations, and the color of the water changes significantly, it is a clear sign that there are too many of these organisms in the aquarium. In general, it is worth taking care of the tank and making water changes in a percentage ratio appropriate to its size and stocking capacity.

Algae in the aquarium – summary

Algae are present in every aquarium, but their large amount is harmful to fish and plants. Therefore, it is worth observing what is happening in the tank and reacting as quickly as possible.

In aquarium and pet stores you will find preparations for algae in the aquarium. Usually, however, it is enough to take care of the balance in the tank – this is not feeding the fish and regular water changes. Lighting should also be adapted to the needs of all organisms living in the aquarium, including plants.

The ways to get rid of algae in the aquarium are very different. Their type depends mainly on the type of algae in the tank. You can opt for an effective preparation for algae in the aquarium. However, be sure to keep a close eye on your private water world and react to any disturbing change.