Every person who keeps the aquarium in their house has to face algae growth-related issues sooner or later. Algae in the fish tank can be removed and reduced. If algae are grown in small amount then it is normal, but if more algae are grown in the aquarium then it can be proved dangerous to plants as well as to fishes.
Algae in a fish tank: good or bad?
In aquatic life, algae are very important. Actually, there are different types of algae, some of them are good, and some of them are really bad for the aquarium. If some algae are grown in a fish tank then it may be considered normal and healthy. There are different types of algae that are grown in a fish tank, like blue-green algae, green algae, red algae, and brown algae. Brown algae are also known as silica algae which is harmless. It can be easily wiped off from the tank. Blue-green algae consist of phosphates and nitrates. Sometimes it can be dangerous because of their bad water. Green algae are known as healthy algae as it does not overgrow.
What causes algae in the aquarium?
As we know algae are very common in a fish tank, there are some reasons that algae grow in the aquarium. We will discuss some of the causes of algae growth which are mentioned as given below:-
- Direct exposure to sunlight: If your aquarium is placed in direct sunlight, then there are chances that algae can grow fast and can be proved harmful to fishes as well as to aquatic life.
- Aquarium light: In the fish aquarium, the lightning period should be increased. Our fish tank requires light 12 hours in a day. If light will be less, then algae can be grown in the tank.
- Overfeeding to fishes: If you are overfeeding your fishes, then it may be also one of the reasons of algae overgrowth in fish tanks.
- High nutrients in water: if your water has high nutrients then it can grow more algae in the fish water tank.
Aquarium algae types
There are several types of algae which you can find in the fish tank. We will discuss some of the aquarium algae in the detailed form:-
- Green aquarium water: This alga is called often Euglena which can turn water green at a faster If your algae are grown in green water, then it should be fully oxygenated. Lack of oxygen may suffocate fishes.
- Blue-green algae: These algae are also known as cyanobacteria. They are blue-green in color but in some aquariums, it can be pinkish-red. In the lighting period process, oxygen can be produced.
- Brown algae: Brown algae are also called symbolic algae which has water nutrients which are essential for invertebrates.
- Hair algae: This is light green in color. But sometimes it may be dark green or dark brown in color. These are called hair algae because it has filaments and can be attached to any surface of the tank.
How to remove algae from fish tank glass?
To keep your fish tank healthy it is very important to clean your fish tank glass in the proper way. Following are some steps which one should need to follow while cleaning algae from fish tank glass is as mentioned below:-
- First of all, you need to remove the waste and debris from fish tank by cleaning gravel with a siphon.
- Always remember, never use soap while cleaning the glass of the fish Just use cold water and aquarium filters.
- Use high rated filters to increase water flow.
- Reduce the feeding of fishes to avoid unnecessary algae in fish tanks.
- To avoid algae growth, remove phosphates and discontinue use of fertilizers and
- Always change light bulbs within every 6 months o remove algae growth.
- Also, use nitrate removers as they are the cause of algae in aquariums.
Reducing algae in the fish tank (precautions)
We have to take some precautions to reduce algae in a fish tank which are as following:-
- Change tank water: Changing water is key to reduce algae in the fish Try to change water up to 10 -15 percent as it keeps the nutrients very low.
- Live plants should be kept: To reduce algae growth, live plants should be in the tank so that there should be fewer nutrients which use less fuel for algae
- Algae eat fish: Keeping algae eating fish, like flying fox, Plecostomus reduces the chances of algae in the fish
- Lighting should be reduced: It is very important to place tank where sunlight does not have direct exposure. Because sunlight promotes algae growth.
- Clean up: It is very important to clean up rocks, glass, and This will reduce the chances of algae overgrowth.
How to get rid of algae in fish tank naturally
We can also get rid of algae in a fish tank in natural ways. There are some conditions under which you can get rid of aquarium algae in a natural way which is as mentioned below:-
- Change water frequently: Change the water frequently as it is the natural way of getting rid of algae from the fish
- Reducing food consumption in fish: You can reduce the amount of food that you are giving to fish. More food means more algae in fish tanks, so reduce frequent feedings in a day.
- Reduce in light: You can also reduce the light in the fish aquarium by setting the amount of light. Reduction in light may decrease the growth of plants.
- Natural Aquarium cleaners can be added: There are available different types of freshwater scavengers which will help you in removing excess algae. It is also a natural way of getting rid of algae in a fish tank in a natural
Aquarium algae eaters
There are also available different types of aquarium algae eaters which can help them in reducing algae from the fish tank. Now we will list some of the algae eaters which are also known as freshwater algae eaters are as mentioned below:-
- Siamese algae eaters
- Bristlenose Plecos
- Malaysian trumpet snail
- Ramsharon snails
- Nerite snails
- Twig Catfish
So this was all about algae in the fish tank, how to remove algae from the fish tank and how to get rid of algae from the fish tank in a natural way.