AQUARIUM ALGAE: BLESSING OR CURSE?

COPING WITH BROWN AND BLUE-GREEN ALGAE 

If you own a fish tank, you've encountered algae. It can be a sign of a healthy ecosystem or a warning that something is wrong. Understanding the difference is key to maintaining a beautiful and healthy aquarium. Let's break down the three main types: Blue-Green, Green, and Brown algae.

1. BLUE-GREEN ALGAE: THE RED FLAG
The Cause:
Blue-green algae are the ones that should give the greatest cause for concern. Conditions occur where tanks are overstocked with overfed fish and only partial water changes are carried out. This usually leads to a high level of water pollution and excessive accumulation of organic waste, resulting in “mats of blue-green algae” at the base of the tank.

Source: aquariumscience.org

The Solution:
"Correction of conditions is absolutely essential where blue-green algae are concerned." Treatment with an algae remedy may remove the algae, but it will not re-establish healthy conditions for the fish unless you change up to half of the water in the tank.

Blue-green algae signal poor water quality. Solve the root cause (overfeeding, overstocking) and perform a major water change.

Source: Aquarium Co-op


2. BROWN ALGAE: THE PROBLEM OF LOW LIGHT
The Cause:
Brown algae are common in aquariums placed in a dark corner away from natural sunlight. The cause lies in insufficient light. This is obvious in the aquarium by the presence of brown stains on the glass and components.

Source: Aquasabi

The Solution:
The remedy is simple: "increase the light level by a third." The recommended wattage, for example, should be 10 watts per square foot surface area per 10 hours per day. For removal, a simple periodic scraping of the brown algae seems most effective. A blade scraper is handy for removing stubborn brown algae on glass.

Brown algae thrive in dim conditions. Increase your tank's lighting and scrape the glass regularly.

Source: FishLab


3. GREEN ALGAE: A SIGN OF EXCESSIVE LIGHT
The Cause:
Green algae growth is stimulated by the exact opposite condition of brown algae: "excessive illumination."

Source: Aquarium Co-op

The Solution:
The solution is to reduce the amount of light your tank receives each day. Ensure your aquarium is not in direct sunlight and consider reducing the number of hours your tank light is on.

An overgrowth of green algae usually means your tank is getting too much light.

Source: Aquascaping Love


Algae can be a blessing, a curse—or a bit of both. A small amount can be natural and even attractive, but an overgrowth is a sign that your tank's balance is off.

Remember this general rule:
* Blue-Green Algae = Water Quality Issue
* Brown Algae = Not Enough Light
* Green Algae = Too Much Light

By identifying the type of algae in your tank, you can take the correct action to restore balance and ensure a healthy environment for your fish.

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