Algae & How To Prevent It

Algae is the number one reason why people leave this beautiful hobby. There is a common belief that algae is the problem. It is the SYMPTOM of the problem. We will look over this section at what causes algae and how we can cure the problem.

What causes algae?

Causes of algae can be wide and problematic. Understanding how to establish your aquarium in its early days will translate into your long term success. However, we all face this at some point in the hobby.

The most common causes of algae is excess lighting, nutrient imbalances, unstable levels of CO2 and more. Determining the cause is the first step before solving any problem.

Black Beard Algae

Black Beard Algae (BBA) This is one of the hardest forms of algae to get rid of. It forms grey like tuffs on the surface of glass, hardscape and plants. As its spores carry in high flow, this makes it difficult to get under control. The most common cause of this form is fluctuating levels of CO2 and excess nutrients. However this form of algae can appear out of nowhere even if your aquarium appears to be stable. Advised to keep nutrients in balance and use liquid carbon to treat on hardscape. Turn your filter off, apply it directly onto wood out of water. Apply to plants under water using a syringe.

Green Thread Algae

GTA can be difficult to remove mechanically. Unbalanced nutrition and excess light will favour these type of algae. It can spread easily if no action is taken. Carry out large frequent water changes weekly and look at your fertiliser dosing. Consider if Rich or Lean type is required. Ottos, Amano Shrimp and Siamese Algae Eaters will eat this.

Brown Diatoms

This is most frequently seen in new aquariums, due to a lack of nitrifying bacteria, trace elements of diatoms present form this thin brown algae. Do not worry as this will pass naturally. Keep the feeding low and maintain frequent water changes with consistent lighting. A new aquarium takes approximately 6-8 weeks to cycle.

Blue - Green Algae / Cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria is in fact a form of bacteria, not an algae. It is a prokaryotic structure that is highly resilient as it dates back billions of years. Commonly seen in aquariums with low flow, excess waste on or in the substrate. An accumulation of waste will cause this bacteria to form. Keep the substrate area well cleaned, increase flow to a minimum of 5x the LPH of the aquarium volume. 300LPH to a 60L for example.

Staghorn Algae

Staghorn is impossible to remove from leaves mechanically and must be done via environmental methods. It forms thick strands that extend like a web, dark grey in colouration. Typical causes are high ammonia and frequent nutrient imbalances. Keeping chemistry stable is key! Remove affected plants, increase flow by filter maintenance. Maintain fish feeding to a minimum to control the imbalance. Liquid Carbon will kill this algae.

Hair Algae

These fine threads grow quickly with excess ammonia and must maintain quality water to limits its growth. Fluctuating level of CO2 will encourage its growth. Ensure adequate flow is being distributed evenly.

Green Beard Algae

Green Beard grows into very long strands and primarily attaches to leaves as they decay, due to being stressed. Focus on healthy plant growth, ensuring the light does not exceed 6 hours to decrease demand of plant growth. Carry out 2 water changes per week to keep excess nutrient levels low while plants recover.

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