What exactly is algae?
Algae are enormous and diverse aquatic organisms that, while most people associate them with plants, lack genuine roots, stems, and leaves. They are more closely linked to fungi. Algae, on the other hand, make their own food through photosynthesis.
Why is there algae?
There is too much sunlight. To grow, algae require sunshine. If your tank is in a sunny location or has intense artificial illumination, this could be the source of the algae growth.
You’re overfeeding your fish. Overfeeding your fish can result in an algae bloom since the waste emitted after feeding contains nutrients that promote algae growth.
Inadequate tank filtration. An algal bloom might occur if your aquarium filter is not functioning properly. A filter aids in the removal of garbage and surplus nutrients from water.
Fluctuations in temperature. Frequent temperature fluctuations might also promote algae blooms. Algae thrive in warm water, so if the temperature in your aquarium varies frequently, it may provide an ideal setting for algae growth.
Why should we get rid of it?
Algae is a natural occurrence. Algae grows when there is light and water, and it has been present on Earth for a billion years.
Algae blooms in a tank, on the other hand, are frequently a symptom of an imbalance or high pollution levels. It can harm your tank’s residents if left untreated.
How can it be removed naturally?
All of these potential remedies are based on the basic premise of making the tank unfriendly to the life of all types of algae.
Avoid overfeeding your fish. Feed your fish only as much as they can consume in a few minutes. Any food that is not consumed will fall to the tank’s bottom and decompose, delivering nutrients into the water that algae require to flourish. One of the most common causes of algal blooms is this.
Reduce your exposure to light. If your tank is in a sunny location, consider moving it. Reduce the amount of time that artificial lighting is turned on. You can also use a timer to turn off the lights for a portion of the day.
Replace your filter on a regular basis. Filters that are dirty do not function correctly and allow algae to thrive. Replace the filter on a regular basis and clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. There are numerous types of filters available, so choose the one that is ideal for your tank.
Avoid Temperature Changes. Use a tank warmer to keep the temperature in your tank consistent. Algae blooms can be caused by abrupt temperature fluctuations. This is one of the reasons why it is critical to introduce fish into your aquarium gradually.
Use fish that eat algae. Certain fish, such as plecos and ear catfish, are known to consume algae. Adding a few of these fish to your tank can aid in algae control. Remember to do your homework before introducing any fish in the tank to ensure they are compatible with other species.
Final takeaway
Although most algae are harmless, cleaning is required to keep the water tank clean and beautiful. Following the procedures outlined above, you can simply achieve a clean fish tank in your own tank.
