Sudden outbreaks of algae can be a problem. We provide information on fish care and diseases so that you can properly care for your fish. We also have live tropical fish for sale.

 

 

Algae are a simple form of plants with spores that are introduced into the aquarium by water, plant food and live fish food. Sudden outbreaks of algae can be a problem as they can coat the sides of the tank, gravel, plants and ornaments. Algae is unsightly and must be removed. Removal from the glass of the aquarium using a rough scrubber or scraper or razor blade eases the chore. If not controlled, algae growth reduces of the level of oxygen in the water.

Aeration should be checked and increased if possible for the benefit of the fish. Outburst of algae can cloud the water so the filtration equipment should be operating properly.

Algae thrives in high ammonia and nitrate water conditions. The biological nitrogen cycle filtration equipment should be checked for whether its operating properly. Do repeated water changes on successive days to lower the ammonia and nitrate levels. Remove dead or dying plant matter and other sources of dead organic matter plus, sources of dead organic matter such as dead fish.

Algae outbreaks are likely to occur if there are no plants in the aquarium or if the plants are new and not established. Algae can actually coat the leaves and prevent plants from photosynthesis which will cause the plant to die. Plants naturally compete with the nutrients needed for algae growth. The use of good healthy plant life in the aquarium cannot be over emphasized. If the plants are healthy and the conditions are favorable for the plants, the algae cannot compete and usually will not grow. When water deteriorates and the quality of plant life lessens, algae will start to proliferate. The population of fish in the aquarium may be too large which produces an excess of ammonia and nitrates in a concentration too large for the plants to utilize. Then, water changes are necessary to lower these concentrations.

Algae grows well if the aquarium lights are left on too long. Algae also, grows better in natural sunlight so, move the aquarium away from direct sunlight sources. Reduce the length of time the lights are on to 10 hours or less. Have floating plants to reduce the intensity of light in the aquarium. If algae does not receive sufficient light , they die. Introduce algae eating fish such as the Siamese Flying Fox, the Shenops Molly, some kind of Bristle nose or, the Chinese algae eater.