Algae Overgrowth in Freshwater Aquariums

Algae growth is a problem that occurs in almost all freshwater aquariums. Small amounts of algae are easy to deal with and can be beneficial, but large amounts lead to many problems, possibly even harming the fish inside the aquarium. Algae growth also can change the way the water looks, making freshwater aquariums unsightly. Different techniques can be used to eliminate different types of algae commonly found growing inside of fish tanks.

  1. Different Types of Algae

    • There are many different types of algae that can spread throughout a fresh water aquarium, with some being more common than others. Green water, or algae bloom, is an alga that reproduces so quickly that the water turns an ugly green color. Brown algae looks like soft, lumpy patches of brown vegetation. Blue-green algae grows in bluish-green colored sheets that are slimy and will quickly spread over everything in an aquarium. When algae grows in thin, bright, circular, hard spots on the aquarium glass, it is probably dealing with spot algae.

    Causes

    • Algae growth is going to be caused by different things in freshwater aquariums. Different types of algae also need different environmental factors to grow successfully. Too much sunlight, especially direct sunlight, is one of the reasons green water is caused. Brown algae is normally caused when not enough sunlight reaches the water. Blue-green algae normally indicates poor water quality, and can also be found in aquariums that have low nitrate levels. Spot algae is common in freshwater tanks that have live plants and would even be considered normal in freshwater aquariums. Having live plants, different types of lighting, uneaten fish food and poor water quality can all cause algae problems.

    Preventative Measures

    • Preventative measures can be taken to help eliminate algae grown in freshwater aquariums. Live aquarium plants will help reduce nitrate levels that many algae types need to grow. Different types of lighting can be bought to make sure aquariums get the right amount of light, and the right kind of light. Fluorescent lighting will emit lower intensity light when compared to metal halide lighting, preventing sudden and unexpected algae growth. Regularly changing and monitoring water levels will help keep aquariums clean. Different breeds of fish and freshwater aquarium creatures can be bought that will feed on algae and help to keep aquariums algae free.

    Removing Algae

    • Even with preventative measures, there may be a time when algae growth becomes a problem and removing it must take place. Different types of algae will need different treatment options to dispose of it properly. Changing aquarium lighting and filtering light with micron cartridges or diatom filters will eliminate green water or algae bloom. Brown algae needs a different treatment, which is actually increasing the direct sunlight a freshwater aquarium receives. Spot algae is common in healthy aquariums, making the removal method as easy as cleaning the aquarium walls with a scouring pad and effort. Water treatments are required to get rid of blue-green algae and other types as well. Always make sure to clean aquariums suffering from algae problems.