You’re not the only one who has noticed that the water in your aquarium has taken on a murky green hue. A lot of aquarium hobbyists run into this problem occasionally. Although it may appear concerning, the phenomenon—also known as "water bloom" or "green water"—is a common issue that can be resolved with the appropriate strategy.
The rapid growth of microscopic algae suspended in the water is typically the cause of green water. In particular, these algae flourish in environments with an excess of light and nutrients in the water. While these microscopic organisms pose no threat to fish, they can hinder your enjoyment of the aquarium’s view and may suggest an imbalance in
| Cause of Green Water | Solution |
| Excessive light exposure | Reduce the amount of light or use a timer to control lighting |
| Overfeeding fish | Feed your fish less to reduce nutrient levels in the water |
| High nutrient levels | Perform regular water changes and clean the tank |
- Reasons for the appearance
- How to prevent "flowering of water" in the aquarium
- How to get rid of green water in an aquarium
- Method number 1. Using additional filter elements
- Method No. 2. Use of water sterilizers
- Method No. 3. Darkening the aquarium
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Reasons for the appearance
Algae spores are easily introduced into the aquarium and are always in the atmosphere. Usually, they are already present in aquarium water in tiny, undetectable forms.
Elevated temperatures, increased light levels, and seasonal variations in water composition—which are most noticeable in the spring and summer—can all contribute to the unexpected appearance of floating algae.
However, in the lack of nutrients, these factors will not be able to produce a "water bloom."
Excess nutrients in hobby aquariums are frequently linked to the buildup of organic matter. This is the breakdown of fish waste, leftover food, plant fragments, etc. Nitrate concentrations above 25 mg/l provide ideal conditions for the growth of microscopic algae.
Similar circumstances are common in newly constructed aquariums with an unstable nitrogen cycle or in aquariums where routine maintenance is not performed.
Therefore, an aquarium’s green water is primarily caused by an overabundance of nutrients combined with intense lighting.
How to prevent "flowering of water" in the aquarium
Finding the causes is the first step in solving the "water bloom" issue. It would make sense to move the aquarium if it is situated near a window or receives direct sunlight.
Weekly replacement of part of the water with fresh water eliminates excess nutrients; this is best done in conjunction with clearing the substrate of accumulated organic matter.
It is crucial to perform preventive maintenance on the filtration system on a regular basis. When there is a "water bloom," the filter is subjected to an increased load because a large amount of algae settles in it. To reduce the loss of helpful nitrifying bacteria, the filter material needs to be carefully washed, ideally in a different tank filled with aquarium water.
The common cause of green water in aquariums, also referred to as water bloom, is an overabundance of algae brought on by too much light or nutrients. Despite its frightening appearance, this is a common problem that can be resolved by regulating nutrient levels, adjusting light exposure, and perhaps even using a UV sterilizer. You can maintain the health of your aquatic environment and restore the clarity of your tank by being aware of the causes and solutions.
How to get rid of green water in an aquarium
There are a few reasonably successful ways to remove algae from water that has turned green if preventive measures are implemented too late.
Method number 1. Using additional filter elements
A portion of the algae can be gathered and secured to the filter’s water intake location using foam rubber, a sponge, or any other fine-pored material. Material that is used frequently needs to be changed or properly cleaned.
Such a step is just transitory. Additional external materials considerably deteriorate the filtration system’s performance because they inevitably reduce the water suction power, even though they lessen the buildup of plant deposits in the filter itself.
Method No. 2. Use of water sterilizers
UV water treatment is the most widely used method. UV sterilizers can be purchased separately or integrated into the filtration system. The most popular are standalone gadgets, which consist of a UV lamp or UV LED inside a hollow cylinder. Connectors are located at the ends of the device, which are used to connect the tubes to an external filter or separate pump. Water from the aquarium is directed through an ultraviolet lamp or LEDs installed inside the sterilizer by means of a pump or filter.
In addition to being effective against algae, ultraviolet light also eliminates the majority of pathogenic microorganisms floating in the water.
Twinstar debuted a relatively novel sterilizer type in the European market in 2012. The gadget was touted as cutting-edge technologically. The direct electrolysis of water serves as the foundation for the working principle.
Ozone, hydrogen peroxide, oxygen, sodium hypochlorite, and other substances are released during the electrolysis process in aquarium water that contains a high concentration of dissolved substances. Sodium hypochlorite possesses the essential antiseptic and disinfectant properties.
One could think of the Twinstar device and its equivalents as a way to fight algae. It only works well in the early stages or as a preventive measure, though, and is not a cure-all. In an aquarium that is highly contaminated, the impact will be negligible.
Method No. 3. Darkening the aquarium
Darkening the aquarium will be a good solution for green water if there are no live plants in it. The lighting is off and the tank is fully sealed off from light; the filter should still function. Without light, photosynthetic algae perish in seven days.
However, single-celled organisms called Euglena (translated as "Euglena" in Russian) can also have an impact on an aquarium. They were once thought to be algae, but more research revealed that they actually belong to a genus of single-celled flagellate eukaryotes. This organism can consume solar energy and has chloroplasts, just like plants. However, Euglena can also feed heterotrophically by consuming bacteria, just like animals do.
In the event that the aquarium is affected by Euglena and darkening it does not help, then methods No. 1, 2, 5, and possibly 4 must be used.
Although dealing with green water in your aquarium can be annoying, most aquarists have encountered this problem at some point. Maintaining the clarity of your tank and the health of your fish depends on your ability to identify the causes, which may include excess light or nutritional imbalances.
Water bloom can be effectively managed in a number of ways, such as by using UV sterilizers or modifying lighting. Maintaining and monitoring the state of your tank on a regular basis is crucial to preventing future issues.
Recall that patience is essential. The problem might not be completely resolved right away, but with
