Most all aquariums have algae. A small amount of it is not a bad thing. However, when algae grow rapidly and take over the tank, it can be troublesome. While there are no true ways to completely prevent it, it can be controlled.
Green algae are a common concern for most freshwater tank owners. The two types, hair and green dot, can be time consuming and even difficult to remove from the tank. This alga grows rapidly in tanks that receive and over abundance of light.
The brown form of algae most often grows after the initial set-up of the tank. The algae growth in tanks that have been established for a longer period of time may indicate a nitrate or phosphate problem. The growth of this algae is also encouraged by low light levels. To remove it from the tank, typically you need to clean the tank, increase the light it receives, and ensure that the water condition is at proper levels.
Red-brush and blue-green are two other forms of algae that can grow in a fish tank. The red-brush form tends to feed from aquariums with higher pH levels. Blue-green algae are a slimy type that can be dangerous to both plants and fish in the tank.
One of the easiest ways to control the growth of most algae is to control lighting. For algae control, do not place tanks near windows and minimize the lighting to eight hours each day. Using a lighting timer is a great way to give your tank consistent and adequate amounts of light.
Just like your fish, algae need to eat to survive. Algae grow best from consuming potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. You can greatly enhance algae control in tropical fish tanks by making sure that aquariums are not overcome by fish waste, excess food, and decaying plants. Also, perform water changes regularly and use a properly sized filter. And finally, if the algae are persistent, you can get a special silicate absorbing resin to use in your filter.
Adding algae eating organisms to your tank is also an option. Snails and algae eating fish can help control algae in the tank. It is important to keep in mind that snails can populate very quickly. Adding a snail and a plecostomus to a tank may be a good idea. Remember when all of the algae are consumed, you will need to feed these animals. Your local pet store has the right food for them readily available.
It is not uncommon for algae to begin to re-grow in a clean tank within three weeks. For ongoing algae control and management, be cautious about over feeding your fish, be certain to promptly remove dead fish from the tank, be mindful about the amount of light that the tank receives, and use some type of filtration system. And, remove any visible algae with a magnet or scrubber designed for this type of cleaning. Hopefully these simple tips will make your algae control efforts and aquarium keeping much easier and enjoyable.
Gary is an aquarium enthusiast and enjoys helping others with this amazing hobby. He has owned and maintained freshwater aquariums for over 20 years and teaches others how to set up a beautiful thriving aquarium. For more information and advice on how to keep your aquarium water clean or other useful tips please visit: http://freshwateraquariumbliss.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_L_Youngblood
