THE AQUARIST'S GUIDE TO ALGAE: PROBLEM, PARTNER OR PEST?

 ALGAE PROBLEMS

Every aquarium keeper, whether beginner or expert, has a relationship with algae. It's a topic that sparks more debate than almost any other in the hobby. Is it a sign of a healthy tank or a symptom of failure?

Source: Aquascaping Love

DEFINING THE "PROBLEM"
What Even Is an Algae Problem?
The first hurdle is defining what constitutes a problem. There is no universal agreement. "What constitutes a problem for a particular aquarist or under one set of circumstances is not necessarily seen as a problem by another."

For some, any visible algae is a crisis, leading them to pour algicides and detergents into their tanks and becoming "quite depressed by the apparent stubbornness of these algae." For others, the answer to whether algae is a problem is a resounding "No!"

 "I think that it is with these aquarists in mind that we can coin a definition for the term 'Algal Problem'."


THE GREEN ALGAE (A HELPER IN HIDING)
The Living Barometer
A thin layer of green encrusting algae can be a positive sign. It acts "almost like a living barometer, telling me whether things are okay or not." As long as the growth is no thicker than a "skin," it often doesn't harm other plants or gravel.

Many fish benefit from it, regularly pecking at the encrustations for nourishment. Species like the Sucking Loach, Plecostomus, and the Common Black Molly require algae in their diet.

Source: Garnelio.de

"They are Green Plants with similar, though not quite identical, needs to the whole range of other plants that we try to grow in aquariums."


ERADICATING GREEN ALGAE
How to Control a Green Outbreak
If green algae overstays its welcome, a multi-pronged approach is needed. The primary cause is usually "too much light."

1. Manual Removal: The simplest method is "periodically scraping the sides of the aquarium or scrubbing the rocks." For plastic plants and white gravel, bleaching is an option, but "do make sure that you rinse the gravel thoroughly afterwards. Bleach is highly toxic."

Source: Aquarium Co-op

2. Light Reduction: The first step in treatment should always be reducing the light intensity.

3. Water Changes & Plants: Perform partial water changes and ensure an adequate stock of live plants. "Luxuriant plant growth will filter out some of the light, keeping algae in check." They also absorb chemicals, thereby 'starving' algae of some of their essential nutrients.

Source: Buce Plant

4. Chemical Treatment: Algicides can be used, but I must stress the word 'use' — it is very different from 'abuse'! Chemicals are a temporary fix unless you change the underlying conditions that caused the bloom.

Source: Swell UK

"The conditions I stated above have to be adhered to for any lasting effect to occur."


THE BROWN AND BLUE-GREEN ALGAE
When the Problem is Too Little Light or Poor Care
Not all algae are the same. Brown encrusting algae are the opposite of their green cousin. Its cause is "the difficulty to estimate the correct amount by which the light level should be increased." It's common in tanks kept in dark corners.

Source: Buce Plant

The remedy is simple: "Increase the light level by a third." Manual scraping is also effective here.
Another issue arises from poor tank maintenance. "Tanks are overstocked with overfed fish, and no partial water changes are carried out." This leads to high pollution and mats of blue-green algae at the base of the tank.

"The black algae that forms between the gravel bed and the glass is best dealt with by stirring the sand when you perform water changes."

Source: Buce Plant

A BALANCED VIEW
Algae are a natural part of the aquatic ecosystem. A thin film of green can be a sign of a healthy, balanced tank and a food source for your fish. The real "problem" begins when an imbalance—be it too much light, too little light, or excess nutrients—allows it to grow out of control.

By understanding the type of algae you have and what it's telling you, you can manage your tank effectively. Sometimes, the solution isn't a war of eradication, but a simple adjustment to find balance.

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