Algae

Algae in the aquarium - control and elimination of algae - algae control: After we got in first article on algae in the aquarium Once you have gone into the determination, the second part is about how to get the respective type of algae out of the aquarium. Combating algae does not always pose the same problems. It usually depends on which algae it is. Be it filamentous algae, beard algae, brown algae, brush algae, dust algae, green slime algae, algae blooms, diatoms, red algae or other types of algae. It becomes particularly critical when there are mixed forms, then it is not only difficult to determine exactly, but also combating it becomes a greater problem.

 

 

All about identifying the different types of algae

 

Algae control: basic distinction between the control methods

Before we talk about the individual types of algae and the corresponding options, we should look at the basic options for combating them. These could be broken down as follows:

 

 

Each of these options has its advantages and disadvantages and the use of the respective method depends very much on which type of algae has been located and identified.

 

All about identifying the different types of algae

 

Now let's look at the individual species.

Algae control: fight blue-green algae and slime algae

Let's start with the smear and blue-green algae, which can appear quite quickly. Anyone who discovers this species should act quickly, otherwise the spread can no longer be stopped. Blue-green algae usually develop because the water parameters are no longer appropriate. An imbalance arises. The nutrient balance is therefore no longer balanced. A true breeding ground for slime algae. If you measure your water values, you will quickly find a high phosphate value. This can also have something to do with the filter.

So what can you do against the blue-green algae? Here we show you step by step what to do in case of an infestation of blue-green algae:

 

 

 

How to get a dark cure you can read about it here. Basically, it's about completely darkening the aquarium for several days and thus taking away the nutrients from the blue-green algae. The dark cure is probably the best remedy for slime algae. We ourselves have already had very good experiences with it.

 

 

 

The large group of green algae

Algae control: fight thread algae

Unfortunately, thread algae are also very common. What starts out harmless can grow into a carpet of thread algae that spreads across the entire aquarium. We have already had many painful experiences with this. Nevertheless, there are also good options here either to prevent these algae from forming in the first place or at least to get them under control again. But here, too, there are a number of reasons why thread algae occur. This usually has to do with the planting and the water parameters.

 

 

Anyone who can still remember our article on aquarium chemistry also knows that nitrite and nitrate are two completely different values. However, these two are often confused. Plants need nitrate to grow. Plants also need phosphate. In addition, the CO2, which we have already presented in more detail in our guide to the CO2 systems.

 

 

If you take all these factors into account, the main reason why filamentous algae occur at all is insufficient growth of the other aquatic plants. You absolutely have to encourage this. Be it through the introduction of CO2 or nitrate, although this is rather difficult. Basically, nitrate should not be detectable, because then the relationship between consumption and demand would be balanced.

 

Get rid of thread algae summary

So what can you do against thread algae:

 

 

The Amano shrimp in particular should be happy about thread algae. Unfortunately, we have had less than positive experiences with it so far. Various catfish are also said to have thread algae on their menu. A dark cure will not help with the thread algae.

 

Algae control: floating algae and dust algae

Let's move on to two other representatives of green algae. There are a few things that can help here too. A good remedy has prevailed, especially for floating algae. A so-called UV clarifier helps here in our experience quite quickly. It ensures that the germs in the water are killed quickly and reliably and usually only needs to be used for a short time. In addition, filtering via pebbles can also make a difference. In general it helps here special filter medium apply. This should be able to handle these very small spores. Of course, there are also predators to combat the slimy algae. Water fleas are excellent here. Let's summarize again:

 

 

You just have to be patient with the dust algae. In most cases, its life cycle is extremely short and it disappears on its own. Dust algae usually only appear in the running-in phase, when there is still no plant growth.

 

Combat fur algae, lint algae and hair algae

With these three types, there are only few possibilities to make a reasonable fight. Usually different things work equally here. Be it changing the lighting time, mechanical removal at regular intervals, creating fast and balanced plant growth, darkening can also help, using many different algae eaters from the beginning and also closely monitoring the water values.

 

 

fight spot algae

As already described, it is not easy to identify this species precisely and, above all, to distinguish it from the others. These spot algae often have many similarities with other green algae. Nevertheless, you can get a good handle on the spot algae, especially mechanically on the panes. All you should do is scrape the windows, preferably every day. In most cases, one can also draw conclusions about the formation of phosphate. There is either too little or too much phosphate in the tank. If you measure the phosphate value with a droplet test, you should immediately try to change the water if the amount is too large. In addition, it may also be necessary to add fertilizer if the phosphate level is too low. Of course, this is also closely related to the growth of the plants.

Nature also has good predators in stock that the spotted algae like to eat. The racing snail or the antler snail are at the forefront here. Other snail species also like to grate on this type of algae. Ramshorn snails can also be mentioned in this context.

It can also be that the iron value is too high. Spot algae can often occur if you fertilize your aquatic plants too much. Let's summarize:

 

 

 

Fight pebbles and brown algae

As already described, the diatoms are usually called brown algae because of their appearance, which is actually not correct. There is no brown algae in fresh water, only in sea water. Once you have determined these, it is time to find suitable ways to combat them. They usually owe their rapid spread to the increased content of silicic acid. This acid is already present in our tap water. If you determine this value in yourself, you should only use osmosis water and then harden it accordingly. Of course, silicic acid can also be transformed by the corresponding bacteria. However, these will not yet be available in the running-in phase.

Together with silicic acid, an excessively high phosphate content is usually assumed. Both are responsible for the growth of these algae.

 

Everything about osmosis

 

If, for example, the PH value is also reduced by the osmosis water, this will significantly change the growth and spread of the diatoms.

The phosphate content should also be a maximum of 0,30 mg / l, otherwise not only diatoms will spread in the water, but also other species as described above for green algae. It also helps to reduce phosphate Osmosis system / reverse osmosis system.

In contrast to other types of algae, it usually makes sense to increase the illuminance with diatoms. They grow particularly well in water that is rather dark. That is why it is so extremely important to determine the exact type of algae. Our forum is also ideal for this.

 

All questions for the exact determination in our forum

 

Get rid of diatoms summary

Mechanical removal should also always be the first step. The diatoms can be wiped off easily. Let's summarize:

 

 

The group of red algae

Fight beard algae

Let's start with the beard algae. This species also occurs mostly in newly set up aquariums and then disappears again. But older aquariums also have problems with red algae from time to time. How to find out whether it is red algae can be easily determined using the test presented in the first part. Soak cue in acid. If you have found and determined beard algae, then this type usually seems to be accompanied by an imbalance in terms of nutrients. There are plenty of measures to do this. Just wait and see what is reported again and again. Beard algae are supposed to vanish into thin air again, although unfortunately we have had different experiences here. It can also have something to do with the filtering. Especially if you get too much water movement and current. Again and again, this type of algae can also be found at filter outlets. Here it is then necessary to change the filter accordingly.

Elimination of excess nutrients, if present. A larger water change can be used for this purpose. At this point, we have to talk about fast-growing plants again, because they use up a lot of nutrients and usually also remove them from the algae.

According to different opinions, with beard algae there is also a lack of CO2 in the tank. Therefore, one should also try to increase the Co2 content.

Peat filtering can also cause the beard algae to retreat. The humic acid is supposed to do this. But we are very skeptical here, because filtering through peat has many other side effects and has a significant impact on the water values.

 

Get rid of beard algae summary

Then, of course, mechanical removal can also be a great success. It's not easy, but if you do it consistently, the aquarium will soon look much better again. Now everything in a nutshell:

 

 

Algae control: fight brush algae

We now come to the last species, the brush algae, which also belongs to the group of red algae. Mechanical removal is also possible here by simply removing the affected leaves. Furnishings can also be cleaned intensively. Brush algae and beard algae usually have something to do with the current. Therefore, the current in the aquarium should be reduced here. It is also important to ensure sufficient CO2. A low CO2 content usually goes hand in hand with excessive water movement. Above all, natural predators such as the Siamese Algae Eater enjoy the brush algae. Shrimp can also eat these brush algae. There are also some types of snails such as the ramshorn snail or the apple snail like to eat these algae.

 

In addition, it is of course also important to ensure a good balance here. It is not only used to check values ​​such as phosphate and nitrate, but also to know exactly what you are doing when it comes to water treatment and feeding.

 

Everything about the optimal water treatment of the aquarium water

Get rid of brush algae summary

Let's summarize briefly:

 

Algae control: Algae control with chemical agents

We did not go into chemical additives and agents for any of the algae described above. This also has a specific reason, because one should first try to become master of the algae in a natural way. If you don't manage to do this, the last resort can be to resort to chemistry. But only if it has to be.

We have also taken the time to look at the bestsellers and top sellers of the anti-algae to summarize. You can find these under the following link.