Filamentous algae, causes of appearance and methods of control

A common problem for many aquarium enthusiasts is filamentous algae. These stringy, green invaders can cover plants, decorations, and even glass in a tank very quickly. Although they might initially appear innocuous, if ignored, they have the potential to upset the delicate ecosystem’s balance in your aquarium.

The first step in managing filamentous algae is figuring out what makes them appear. Their quick growth can be caused by a variety of factors, including too much light, an abundance of nutrients, and poor water circulation. By identifying these triggers in your own system, you can stop outbreaks before they happen again.

Thankfully, there are efficient ways to deal with filamentous algae. You can take back control of your aquarium in a number of ways, such as by adding fish that eat algae or changing the lighting and nutrient levels in your tank. You can keep your aquatic environment vibrant and healthy while keeping these bothersome algae at bay with the appropriate strategy.

Reasons for appearance

Ornamental plants and filamentous algae both find their way into the aquarium. Its rapid growth is primarily caused by an imbalance in nutrients.

Though in different amounts, filamentous algae need the same elements as ornamental plants to grow. Consequently, plants’ excess produces an environment that is conducive to the growth of algae if they do not have time to consume certain substances.

Algae grow where plants are uncomfortable, and vice versa. As a result, these plant groups divide up their habitat among themselves in the wild.

Thus, the thread has an opportunity for active growth if the plant’s nutritional balance is upset.

Oftentimes, imbalances result from plants not having enough time or being unable to absorb nutrients because of excess or lack of nitrogen compounds, excessively long or short days, or low levels of carbon dioxide.

Think about these arguments in greater depth.

Nitrogen compounds

Nitrates are consumed by plants in order to grow. The last phase of the nitrogen cycle’s transformation of nitrogen compounds is known as NO3. It is thought that nitrate levels between 10 and 25 mg/l are ideal. Oedogonium grows when the designated range is violated (Oedogonium sp.)

Generally speaking, a dirty aquarium with a silted bottom, an abundance of organic waste, and infrequent water changes are the causes of excess nitrates. This occurs when the fish keeper overfeeds the fish, neglects routine maintenance, or permits extreme overcrowding.

This can also occur in a healthy aquarium, as nitrates can build up as a result of plants slowing down nutrient absorption. This is typically seen when the amount of daylight is reduced or when the intensity of the light varies, both of which have an impact on the process of photosynthesis.

If fertilizers are applied, they may also become a factor. A large spike in nitrates could most likely be the result of an incorrect dosage.

Young aquariums, where the nitrogen cycle has not yet fully developed, are typically found to have low nitrate levels. Instead, the water contains high concentrations of other nitrogen compounds, such as ammonia (NH3), ammonium (NH4+), and nitrites (NO2). Edogonium (Oedogonium SP.) and many other threaded algae, particularly risoclane (rhizoclonium sp.) and Spirogira (spirogyra sp.), exhibit violent growth in such an environment.

Even in an established aquarium, disruption of the regular nitrogen cycle can occur, leading to the formation of filamentous algae. Frequent overfeeding, nitrifying bacteria dying off as a result of improper filter material cleaning, and the negative effects of treating fish with antibiotics are common causes of this.

Lighting

Excess light is the most frequent cause of algae growth, not just filamentous algae. For instance, the aquarium is next to a window that faces the south or west or receives direct sunlight. or installed lamps that are too bright.

Algae grow considerably faster and absorb available nutrients in bright light far more effectively than ornamental plants.

A shift in the amount of daylight or the intensity of the lighting could also be the cause, as these changes may have an impact on the nitrate concentration. This was covered in the "Nitrogen Compounds" block earlier.

An aquarium with a lot of plants and deteriorating lighting are at least two requirements for such a scenario to occur.

Nutrients are actively consumed during photosynthesis in plant aquariums. A robust ecosystem creates a biological balance that the aquarist can maintain.

For lamps with fluorescent or metallologic lamps, a frequent problem was a partial burnout leading to the loss of part of the spectral composition. The absence of the required spectrum of wavelengths is felt strongly by the plants if the visible light does not change for them, which considerably slows down the process of photosynthesis.

As a result, nutrient consumption—especially that of nitrates—slows down, but nutrient production stays constant and rapid accumulation starts. The thread can only grow under certain circumstances.

It is important to remember that the issue of lamp burnout is specific to lamps that are already old. The LED lighting of today has no such disadvantage.

Carbon dioxide

Where carbon dioxide is supplied to aquariums with plants, there is a problem. During photosynthesis, plants must be encouraged to grow and maintain high rates of nutrient absorption. One of these elements is CO2.

Therefore, an imbalance of nutrients results if the supply of carbon dioxide is interrupted or cut off, just like in the case of lighting.

Result

The appearance of filamentous algae linked to the characteristics of metal halide and fluorescent lamps, along with the usage of carbon dioxide, are primarily found in naturally occurring aquariums that are overflowing with vegetation. Professionals typically own these kinds of aquariums.

For typical aquarists, the emergence of filamentous algae is typically linked to excessively bright lighting or poor aquarium maintenance, along with all the issues that entail.

In aquariums, filamentous algae have the ability to quickly become an annoyance, transforming a gorgeous underwater scene into a tangled mess. Their appearance is usually an indication of an imbalance in the tank, which can be brought on by inadequate water circulation, an excess of light, or an excess of nutrients. The core causes of these algae must be addressed in order to effectively control and prevent them. These include controlling lighting, nutrient levels, and water flow. Physical removal and naturally occurring algae-eating species should be used as supplemental tactics.

In any aquarium, filamentous algae can quickly become a nuisance, but managing them requires an understanding of the factors that contribute to their growth. A balanced environment is crucial because these algae prefer conditions with lots of light and nutrients.

Practical measures such as regular water changes, appropriate filtration, and light exposure control can have a big impact. Adding fish or invertebrates that consume algae can also aid in naturally controlling the growth.

You can enjoy a beautiful, healthy aquarium without the constant headache of filamentous algae by being proactive and watchful. By closely monitoring the conditions of your tank, you can make sure that these unwanted guests stay away.

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