Algae in the aquarium?

Certain types of fish, shrimp or snails can also be very good helpers, such as: Caridina Japonica, Crossocheilus siamensis, Garra flavatra, Neritina and others.

bucelaphandra Algae indicates a bad balance in the aquarium between

light + water flow

+ fish populations + decomposition of excess substances..

The most effective fighters against algae are healthy plants!

When unwanted algae appear, the first step is to find out what kind of algae it is:
-green algae
-cyanobacteria
-red algae
-diatoms (brown algae)
-turbidity

1. Green algae:
This group is among the most problematic, but even intentionally cultivated types of algae, such as the so-called algae (Cladophora aegarophila). They enter tanks mainly through microscopic spores carried on plants and fish. They are very diverse in appearance, from planktonic unicellular algae, through long filamentous algae to very complex ones that are very similar to plants. Of all the other algae, green algae are the closest to plants, so their appearance signals good light conditions for the growth of aquarium plants. They occur only in well-lit tanks. They grow on decorations, glass and plants, to which some grow strongly and cannot be removed mechanically. Their suppression with the help of plants is lengthy and not always effective, but it is the most sensitive and best long-term means. Most species are suitable for tanks with a lack of nutrients and more intense lighting. They are an important part of the food for algae-eating fish, such as livebearers. They contribute to the breakdown of waste substances and to the oxygenation of the tank. This group is most commonly encountered in aquariums.

*Green dust algaeDust
This algae is one of the first to colonize the walls of aquariums and old illuminated leaves. It does not directly threaten the plants, but serves as a substrate for other types of green algae and also reduces the aesthetic value of the aquarium. It can be removed from the front glass with a sponge or scraper with a little force, but the real problem is on old leaves, e.g. on species of the Anubias and Echinodorus genera or new leaves on slow-growing plants. Shading will help, but it is much better to support plant growth.

*Short green capillary algae
It can create pleasant-looking, fresh green carpets. It is a very welcome addition to the diet of livebearers. Various types of shrimp often graze on it - they pick detritus from it. It creates fine and very short lawns on the surface of the leaves and on objects in the aquarium. It is usually harmless and on the contrary becomes a suitable supplement to the diet of livebearers, gastropods and shrimps. With a short-term invasion, even the finest leaves of plants become unsightly. In addition to supporting growth with carbon dioxide and nutrients, algae eaters also have their place here - especially livebearers and shrimps.

*Filamentous, tufted green algae
This is a relatively harmless algae, mostly attached to decorations and snail shells. They grow from one place. These algae are similar to cultivated kelp. Even with some care, when removed from the substrate and left near the filter, it will begin to form similar balls.

*Long filamentous green algae
Longer types of algae, such as frog hair, can be wound on a skewer and removed mechanically. Reducing the intensity of lighting, e.g. with floating plants or fast-growing plants, helps. It means that the tank has a low or fluctuating content of free carbon dioxide and often macronutrients, adding them will greatly support the plants. You can also fight it with hydrogen peroxide. There are many types of these algae in aquariums. One of the very common ones is various species of the genus Cladophora, which are found in nature in over-oxygenated running waters, where they grow firmly on stones. The fibers are rough and richly branched. Then there are shorter algae of the same genus - Pithophora, which overgrows rather unmaintained, poorly lit tanks with harder water.
In tanks with a low content of macronutrients, fragile tufts of sessile algae may appear. The algae themselves are easily removed mechanically.

long

*Anthracnose
These algae are most similar to higher plants, they have upright, attached to the substrate stems, reaching more than 50 cm. They grow in freshwater tanks with softer water. In lakes, they can form dense growths providing shelter and food for fish. In aquariums, they are only found as cultivated plants, they are never harmful, although they can become weeds. They can be successfully used as plants for mops. They are sensitive to increased phosphate content.

brown

2. Diatoms or otherwise called brown algae:
We encounter them mainly as brown coatings on plants, glass and bottom. They occur most often in newly established aquariums with an excess of phosphorus and silicates or in tanks with a lack of light. They usually disappear from newly established tanks on their own soon after. This can be helped by increasing the lighting intensity and suction, but some grow firmly and are therefore difficult to remove mechanically from plants. If diatom coatings do not disappear from tanks, low lighting intensity is usually to blame.