What Causes Algae to Grow Faster?

Algae is a primitive plant like organism that grows inside of salt and fresh bodies of water. It also festers inside of swimming pools and aquariums. Although algae has a slimy, undesirable consistency, it is not caused by the accumulation of dirt. According to Aquariumpros.com, algae tends to grow faster in clean water. Discover what other factors make algae grow faster.

  1. The Right Nutrients Cause Algae to Survive and Grow

    • Just like any living organism, algae needs food to survive. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the nutrients that keep algae alive. These nutrients live inside of fish tanks and are released from fish waste, uneaten fish food and a variety of other organic materials inside of the aquarium. Tap water is also another source that contains high levels of phosphorus. In order to prevent algae from growing at a faster rate, the water source needs to be treated.

    The Light Source Causes Accelerated Algae Growth

    • Algae grow faster when they are near a lighting source. The sun and artificial lighting contribute to accelerated algae growth. Algae continue to grow even they are not under a direct source of light. This is why an aquarium should be moved away from any light source. Aquarium lights should also be used less than six hours a day.

    Water Temperature Effects Growth of Algae

    • Water temperature also affects the rate of algae growth. Any time water temperature rises where the algae live, accelerated growth is expected. This occurs do to an influx of nutrients within the water, which supplies the algae with the food they need to survive. In addition, fewer microscopic animals feed on the algae; therefore, excess algae left inside the water continue to prosper and grow.

    Absence of Plants Inside Water Source Affects Speed of Algae Growth

    • According to Fish Tank Filters.org, it is important to add live plants inside the aquarium. This is important because the plants consume nitrates and produce oxygen within the water. By consuming the nitrates, plants take away one food source on which algae thrive. By producing more oxygen, the fish will have healthy levels of air and not struggle to breathe.

    Stagnant Water Influences Speed of Algae Growth

    • When the water source has poor circulation, this can cause algae to grow faster than usual. This is due to poor levels of oxygen and overabundance of nutrients in the water, which feeds the algae and keeps it alive.

    Fertilizer Affects Growth of Algae

    • According to Lawn Care Academy, if fertilizer accidentally makes its way into a pool or pond, it can cause the algae to grow faster. This is because algae, like grass, are living organisms; therefore, fertilizer acts as a food source for the algae.