Algae are plants that thrive in environments rich in water, light, and nutrients, making aquariums the perfect breeding ground. Algae growth is caused by an imbalance of nutrients and lighting in the aquarium. Some common causes of algae overgrowth are:
- Leaving house lights on too long
- The tank receiving too much direct sunlight
- Too much fish food
- Not changing the water frequently enough
- Maintaining a water environment with a high nutrient level
If you see algae in a fish tank, it’s important to identify what type of algae is present before attempting to treat it. Some algae are harmless, while others are dangerous and difficult to remove. Here are some common types of algae in fish tanks:
- Brown algae: Sometimes called gravel or silica algae, its most prevalent in new tanks and may disappear with time. Its harmless and very easy to remove.
- Green algae: Some people call this growth hair, thread, or spot algae. It is good algae that every tank will experience at some point. As long as you take care of your tank, it will not overgrow.
- Green water: Also known as an algae bloom, it turns your water the color green because it suspends in water instead of growing on surfaces. Since you can’t wipe or scrape it off, these algae are very difficult to remove from your tank.
To prevent algae growth, its important to maintain a proper balance of nutrients and lighting in the aquarium. Overfeeding is also a primary cause of algae growth, as uneaten food in a tank starts to decay and contributes to the ammonia and other nutrients that algae thrive on. Regular water changes can help reduce the levels of organic waste in the aquarium, while surface agitation can help plants have sufficient access to nutrients and CO2, leaving little for algae to use.
