Importance of the Different Types of Algae

An alga indicates water quality. As a photosynthetic organism, it needs light, water and nutrients to grow. A certain amount of alga is healthy for an aquarium. The goal of any aquarium owner is to learn how to use algae to the tank's benefit. An alga, when in balance, is an indicator that the quality of water in the aquarium is high. Regular maintenance and careful feeding of fish is the perfect way to keep alga in balance and quality water in your tank. Algae need light as well as phosphates and nitrates to grow in your tank. The more light hitting your tank, the more algae will grow. Phosphates enter your tank through tap water. Nitrates are a breakdown of rotting excessive food and waste in your tank.

  1. Brown Algae

    • Cloudy fish tanks are a sign of unhealthy algae in your tank.

      Brown algae becomes visible in your in your aquarium first. Brown algae grow on the glass and along the rocks at the bottom of the tank. The importance of brown algae is that it tells you your tank has silicates. Silicates are present are when the tank isn't getting enough light. Simply by increasing light, healthier algae will grow in your tank. Algae eaters are not inclined to eat brown algae. Location is important to maintaining a healthy aquarium.

    Green Algae

    • Green algae is healthy for fish to eat.

      Green alga is the most common type of algae found in aquariums. Green alga is a sign your tank is healthy. Water quality is high; you are not overfeeding your fish, and routine maintenance is working. Green alga is healthy for herbivorous fish to eat, and they enjoy the change in diet. A complete green out of healthy alga isn't good for fish or the tank. Too much of anything is a bad thing. The best way to control green alga is to control the amount of light the tank gets.

    Red Brush Algae

    • Red Brush alga is the perfect food for African cichlids, also called algae eaters. Tank water with red brush algae is high in pH and KH (carbonate hardness). The best way to rid a tank of red brush alga is to scrape the tank's glass with bleach water and soak all ornaments and stones as well. If red brush is persistent and will not leave your tank, add copper as a water treatment in your tank.

    Slime

    • Slime in your tank is dangerous. Water conditions are poor and the tank has become unsightly. Slime is a result of too much food waste and fish waste in your tank. The best way to get rid of slime is to change the water frequently in your tank. Slime does not disappear rapidly; it takes time to remove the blue-green alga. In order to change the water conditions of your tank, you need to eliminate all reasons why the slime grew and not the green healthy alga.