Algae in the aquarium – reasons for their appearance and ways to combat them

One of the most frequent problems encountered by aquarium enthusiasts is algae. If not kept under control, these tiny plants can quickly transform a lovely tank into a murky, green mess. An excessive growth of algae can upset the delicate balance of the ecosystem in your aquarium, but a small amount of algae is normal and even helpful.

The first step in controlling algae in your tank is to understand why they appear. The main culprits are frequently things like too much light, overfeeding, and poor water quality. You can take targeted measures to stop algae growth by determining the precise causes of it.

Thankfully, there are numerous strategies to remove algae from your aquarium, ranging from adding fish that consume algae to changing the lighting. This post will discuss how to keep your tank clear and healthy as well as the reasons behind algae growth.

Reason for Algae Appearance Ways to Combat Algae
Excess Light Reduce light exposure to 8-10 hours a day
Overfeeding Fish Feed fish less to minimize excess nutrients
Poor Water Quality Perform regular water changes and clean the tank
Lack of Aquarium Maintenance Regularly clean the tank, filter, and decorations
High Nutrient Levels Use live plants to compete with algae for nutrients

What is algae?

The word "algae" is frequently used in casual conversation to refer to ornamental aquatic plants, particularly by inexperienced aquarists.

"Algae" is the collective term used in scientific classification to refer to a vast array of plant species. Algae are all plants other than mosses (hornworts, liverworts, and broadleaf mosses) and higher plants (ferns, club mosses, and seed plants).

These include macroalgae that can reach several meters in length as well as microscopic protozoa or filamentous forms that are invisible to the human eye.

Similar to bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, algae in their tiniest forms are found everywhere. Numerous species’ spores are airborne and travel great distances before settling in new areas. It makes sense that such omnipresence makes it impossible to keep algae out of an aquarium.

An aquarium without algae is a myth

Accepting the basic notion that algae are merely a component of the aquarium biosystem is crucial. No matter how well they are maintained, no aquarium is completely free of algae.

Of course, some tanks have thickets and accumulations that are not readily apparent. Nonetheless, algae will always exist in the tiniest forms (and occasionally as single-celled organisms), particularly in the biofilm. It grows on every surface in the aquarium and is home to a variety of microorganisms in addition to algae. A natural and essential component of the aquarium ecosystem, biofilm provides food for a variety of herbivorous creatures, including shrimp, snails, and fish that eat algae.

It’s important to keep in mind that the development of algae in a newly established aquarium is a normal occurrence. Diatom development during the initial stages of the nitrogen cycle is perfectly normal; these are subsequently replaced by the green algae phase, which eventually vanishes as the aquarium "matures."

An aquarium’s algae problem is a common one that can be caused by a number of things, including too much light, bad water quality, or overfeeding. It’s critical to maintain regular water changes, balance lighting, refrain from overfeeding, and add fish or snails that consume algae in order to control algae growth. Maintaining a clean and healthy aquarium can be achieved by being aware of the causes of algae growth and by taking preventative measures.

Reasons for the appearance of algae

Algae naturally develop in new aquariums, as was previously mentioned. However, rapid growth in an established aquarium indicates maintenance issues.

A nutrient imbalance is the primary cause of algae growth in the vast majority of cases.

What does this mean?

When we refer to "nutrients," we mean a mixture of carbon dioxide, light, micro- and macroelements—that is, materials required for plant growth. The nutrient ratios for aquarium plants and algae are typically different. Algae do not feel well if the environment is conducive to plants, and vice versa.

An aquarist defines "nutrient balance" as the state in which algae are harmful and plants are beneficial.

In aquariums with lots of plants, the ideal ratio of substances is as follows:

  • CO2 about 20-30 mg / l
  • 10 to 25 mg/l nitrates (NO3)
  • 5 to 10 mg/l potassium (K)
  • 0.1 to 1 mg/l phosphate (PO4)
  • > 10 mg/l Magnesium (Mg)
  • 8 to 10 hours of daylight at medium or high illumination
  • 10 to 12 hours of daylight at low illumination

As a result, a divergence from the nutrient concentrations mentioned above is an imbalance.

Why does an imbalance occur?

Fast algae growth is typically the result of an average aquarist neglecting aquarium maintenance procedures.

The most frequent ones include infrequent or insufficient water changes, a filthy, clogged filter, overfeeding fish, which leads to an excessive buildup of organic waste, etc. All of this results in high concentrations of different substances, which are the building blocks for the growth of algae, and which do not have time to be absorbed by plants, if any at all.

Although having algae in your aquarium can be annoying, managing them is made much simpler when you know why they are growing. You can control algae and make your fish and plants’ environment healthier by keeping the proper ratio of light, nutrients, and tank maintenance.

Recall that certain algae are harmless and even natural in small quantities. But if they begin to take over, it’s time to check the conditions in your aquarium again. Algae can be kept from growing to become a serious problem with regular water changes, cleaning, and observation of elements like lighting and feeding.

Ultimately, the greatest strategies for preventing unwanted algae growth in your aquarium are regular maintenance and close attention to detail. You can have a bright, tidy tank that best displays your fish and plants with the appropriate method.

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Elena Grishina

Ecologist and aquarist with a special interest in creating balanced ecosystems in aquariums. Main focus — ecosystems that require minimal human intervention. I support a natural approach to aquarium care, where each element plays its role, helping to maintain harmony in a closed ecosystem. I promote sustainable aquarium keeping and respect for nature.

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