Like any plant, algae can grow quickly and also like most plants algae thrives on sunlight, nutrients and water. Therefore the best way to control the different types of algae you may find in your aquarium is to control the amount of light and nutrients your tank receives.

How can I prevent unwanted algae?

• Ensure your tank is not in direct sunlight.
• Do not leave your tanks light on for excessive periods. Your aquariums light should not be on for longer than 12 hours per day. Longer periods are likely to promote algae growth.
• Why not consider adding algae eating fish? As long as they fit in with your aquatic set up, there are a variety of fish that enjoy nibbling on algae.
• Plants! Real plants and loss balls will help reduce algae levels by controlling nutrient levels naturally.
• If you fail to change your fish tank water regularly nitrates will build up and algae will grow.

Types of Algae:

Green Algae: This looks like green dots, or fuzzy mould and it will show on your decorations and gravel and will turn the water green.

Green Algae can be caused by poor lighting in the aquarium, i.e the lighting tube is over a year old. Lighting for overlong periods or using the incorrect bulb. The main cause is because the aquarium has been set up near strong exterior lighting (e.g. across from a window or on the window ledge) or in a room with too much light.

To help prevent this, position your tank correctly and be sure that bulbs are working at their best.

Filamentous Algae: This type of algae looks like green candy floss, forming in filaments often found around your aquatic plants.

Filamentous algae often occurs from an overly strong nitrate concentration because it feeds on it. Algae will generally begin to appear when there are over 25mg of nitrates per litre of water.

To help prevent this, avoid nitrate build up and change the water regularly.

Feather Algae: This algae looks like little green tufts, with attach themselves to your aquatic decorations, filter, thermometer, heater etc.

This algae is caused by an overly high phosphate content. Phosphates can be found in tap water, so to help prevent the feather algae use an anti-phosphate product to eliminate them. Phosphates can also occur from the breakdown of organic materials, so be sure to change the water regularly (1/4 the volume an average of every two weeks) and do not over feed your fish.

Brown Algae: Brown Algae looks like rust in your aquarium, and it can be found in a very thin layer on the sides of the aquarium and aquatic plants.

There are several causes, but they are all due to an un-balanced aquarium. Such as not enough light, an increase in nitrites, an overly high pH or an increase in ammoniac.

Test your water every month to ensure a balanced aquarium.