We will try and not get too technical here.
Algae (pronounced AL-jee) are simple forms of marine plant life.
They are fairly basic: they lack leaves, roots, flowers, seeds, and all the other things that we normally associate with plants.
The term 'algae' is an umbrella phrase used to describe all forms of marine life, which is capable of photosynthesis (converting sunlight into energy), although some forms of algae rely entirely on external supplies of energy ( in the form of protein and fish waste in the water) for food.
Regarding your tropical fish tank yesterday blue algae is definitely an unwanted guest - it is a real eyesore.
Of course, certain levels of algae that can be expected, small amounts are inevitable when there is light, nutrients and water in combination.
But when levels become high enough to be visible to the naked eye, you have a surplus. Unless you maintain your aquarium regularly, you can virtually count on regular growths of algae hide your fish, which makes water smell and generally detracting from the aesthetics of your tank.
What is it - and how will you get rid of it?
Well, it depends on the type of algae you have, because each must be treated in a special way. The most common types of algae to affect tropical fish tanks are:
* Brown algae
* Green Algae
* Blue-green algae
* Green Water
What you can do about brown algae
Brown algae is usually the first to appear in a newly built tanker. It is fairly easy to see: it looks like cloudy brown slime growing along the sides and bottom of your aquarium, as well as clinging to the gravel, stones and jewelry.
Limitation of light available will not make any difference that this type of algae, since it is quite capable of growing at low light levels.
Instead, you have to cut back on the nutrients available to sustain its growth - which means feeding your fish less. High content of protein in the idea, derived from fish food that will fuel this algae growth.
Even if your fish eat all the food you give them, it does not mean you are feeding them the right size: when it comes to food, fish are natural opportunists, which means that they eat everything that is there, regardless of how much you feed them. If they are eating, they simply excrete the undigested food - which then floats around in the tank, feeding the algae instead!
Make sure you follow directions carefully on fish-food package, to be sure that you minimize nutrient levels correct.
In addition to keeping food levels down, be sure to keep your tank enough enough water changes and gravel and filter cleaning.
If brown algae appears in an established aquarium, check, phosphate and nitrate, as too much of either will promote growth of algae.
If the problem still going on, you can use algae-eating place. These are bottom dwelling fish - such as Siamese algae eater and the American-flag fish - which feed on algae, and are commonly kept in pet shops and fish traders. They will make quick work of your brown algae problem!
What we must do green algae
Green algae is displayed in almost any tank with plenty of light. Fortunately it's easy to get rid of (not clinging to the glass too much), and most algae-eating place will consume it with ease.
For green algae, make sure to minimize protein in the tank, as you would for brown algae. Start by cutting fish-food back in fourth, and pay attention to the look of your fish: if their bodies are flat and thin, they are not eating enough. They should have just enough food to keep a bit round-bodied.
Keep your fish aquarium filled with lots of algae-eating place, and the problem should take care of itself (although it bears repeating that a certain amount of algae, especially green algae, which can be expected).
We will look at the problems of blue-green algae and green water in another article.
Do not let these issues untreated as the results can be disastrous.
Yes, maintaining a healthy, attractive aquarium can be a rather complicated task - there is so much to keep track of!
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