Chlorella in an aquarium: reasons for the appearance, how to deal with it

Green algae called chlorella can appear in your aquarium out of the blue, transforming the once clear and lovely environment into a murky, greenish mess. Many aquarium enthusiasts deal with this frequent problem, which frequently causes them to become frustrated and anxious.

The fish and plants in your tank may suffer if chlorella suddenly appears, upsetting the delicate balance. Maintaining a healthy aquarium depends on knowing why this algae forms and how to deal with it.

This post will discuss the potential causes of chlorella invasions in aquariums and offer helpful advice on how to manage the problem so that your underwater environment remains clear and colorful.

Because of its quick spread and capacity to turn water green, chlorella is a common problem in aquariums that can be harmful to fish and plants. In addition to explaining the primary causes of chlorella growth, such as an abundance of light and nutrients, this article offers helpful advice on managing and preventing chlorella growth to help you keep your aquarium clean and in balance.

What is it

Green algae with a single cell is called chlorella. They can give aquarium water a distinctive shade by living in it suspended in it. Chlorella almost always survives in aquariums in small amounts, but when conditions are right and growth happens quickly, the water starts to "bloom." Green algae has taken over the entire aquarium, which detracts from the fish tank’s aesthetic appeal.

Chlorella is widely used in a variety of industries. For instance, people use green algae to purify water and boost livestock immunity. Chlorella is also utilized in medicine. Algae is employed in the management of numerous human illnesses.

Reasons for the appearance

As mentioned earlier, unicellular algae’s quick growth can result in aquarium water blooming. However, why has this development occurred? Actually, a number of factors play a part in the spread of chlorella. They’re all related to mistakes made when keeping an aquarium in good condition.

Temperature regime

There may be unpleasant repercussions if the aquarium’s temperature regime is not followed. Specifically, green turbidity in the aquarium will soon emerge if the temperature is consistently higher than usual. Using a standard thermometer to regulate the water’s temperature is crucial. The majority of aquarium occupants believe that 25°C is the ideal temperature.

Excess organic matter

The slow build-up of microscopic organic particles will eventually cause algae to appear. As a result, the aquarist needs to refrain from overfeeding. Regarding fish overpopulation, the same applies. You must periodically clean the aquarium and replenish the water to help lower the amount of organic particles present. The chance of a water bloom will be considerably lower if there is little organic matter present. Because an excess of phosphates and nitrates can also upset the aquarium’s overall balance, experts advise keeping an eye on these levels as well.

Excessive lighting

Lighting is a significant component that can influence the growth of chlorella. The truth is that chlorella uses photosynthesis to obtain food when exposed to light. As a result, the quantity of light influences the quantity of algae. Water bloom will eventually occur if the aquarium has strong lighting sources that are much more than what the plants require.

Be mindful! The aquarium cannot be placed right next to the window. In the absence of this, direct sunlight activates the algae.

How to fight

There are several ways to deal with algae in an aquarium, but they all boil down to taking good care of the setup. Therefore, you can combat chlorella by ozonating water, using specific medications, and controlling lighting. Let’s talk about each technique in isolation now.

Lighting regulation

Many aquarists use light limitation as a way to slow down the growth of algae. It has to do with both the length of daylight hours and the brightness of the light. But, you must make sure that the aquarium is fully shaded for three to four days in order to eradicate chlorella and other forms of green algae. However, the compressor should function flawlessly during this period to prevent unfavorable outcomes.

Ozonation of water

Effective outcomes in the battle against green algae have demonstrated the use of water ozonation. You can see benefits from systematic ozonation in as little as two days. You’ll notice a noticeable lighter and clearer water. Replacing water with this procedure is not as effective.

Use of preparations

One more method of fighting green algae. Aquarists typically use antibacterial preparations. Certain preparations yield great results even after just one use. For instance, adding "Bicillin-5" just once is sufficient to eradicate chlorella. Penicillin was used with good results, and it is recommended to use it in conjunction with the conditioner "Tripaflavin-ultra."

Be aware that using strong medications should only be done under strict dosage control.

Squeezing living organisms

Herbivorous crustaceans will undoubtedly aid in the fight against algae, specifically daphnia, if ozonation of the water proved ineffective. You must turn off the filtration system before adding them to the aquarium. The aquarium’s water turns crystal clear after three days. However, a significant amount of daphnia must be introduced to achieve the intended result. The fish must be removed from the aquarium before daphnia is used.

Chlorella in your aquarium needs to be dealt with aggressively, but with the right tactics, it’s completely controllable. You can stop its growth by being aware of the causes, which include excessive light and nutrient imbalances.

Maintaining proper water quality and managing light exposure are essential for preventing Chlorella growth. Maintaining a balanced environment can also be achieved by adding species that consume algae and changing your feeding schedule.

You can avoid undesirable algal blooms and create a more beautiful, healthy aquarium by being diligent and treating the underlying causes.

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