How To Stop Algae Infestation

Don’t we all hate seeing that green stuff in our tanks?

Like stubborn mold silently invading our homes, algae infestation in aquariums is a pain to remove, and an eyesore. Algae not only destroy the aesthetics of the aquarium but limits plant growth by competing for light and nutrients.

You can’t prevent airborne algae spores floating in the environment from entering your aquarium. There is also no magic device that can kill off all the algae once it enters, unfortunately.

The key to addressing any algae problem can be summed up in one word—control.

To prevent algae from thriving in your aquarium, make the environment as inhospitable for the algae as possible, without adversely affecting the fish and plants.

If necessary, aquarium parameters may have to be altered. This involves maintaining water quality and equilibrium between a number of variables, such as

1. light intensity and duration
2. carbon dioxide
3. micro-nutrient
4. macro-nutrient and trace element concentrations
5. plant and fish species and density
6. water chemistry
7. temperature

The 3 R’s of Controlling Algae

• REVIEW What You Put Into the Tank

Algae spores can be introduced into the aquarium with the addition of new fish and plants. Whether you acquire the fish or plants from shops or friends, try to ensure the environment from which your new fish and plants come is free from algae problems.

• REDUCE Light Source

Limit the photosynthesis period—that is, the length of time the aquarium is exposed to light. If you have a “fish only” aquarium, leave the lights on for approximately six to eight hours of light daily, and not longer.

Do not place your aquarium in direct sunlight. If possible, locate the tank away from windows as excessive natural sunlight encourages algae overgrowth, if not; find a way to shade the tank to reduce the amount of light reaching it.

• REMOVE Potential Nutrient Sources

Overfeeding fish affects water quality. Take special care when feeding live or frozen foods – remove as much of the feed water (which contains the live and frozen food) before feeding your fish. This is because fish food and feed water contain phosphates, nitrogen compounds and other elements that are sources of nutrients for algae growth.

Remember to soap and rinse your hands and arms thoroughly before starting to carry out maintenance work on your aquarium. Many soaps and cleaning agents contain phosphates.

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