How to get rid of algae in an aquarium?

An aquarium is a tank filled with water that accommodates several aquatic species. Apart from natural aquariums, there are also community ones in homes or public places. Generally made of thick glass, the aquarium has either a decorative or an exhibition function. You can find fish, crustaceans, aquatic turtles, aquatic plants and also (unfortunately) algae but in small proportions.

When the presence of algae in the aquarium begins to increase, it may well have unfortunate consequences for other species. It would then become urgent to regulate their proliferation in order to save the aquarium. The causes of an algae invasion are now known, so it is easier to stop them. However, let's first start with knowing what an algae is and how does it appear in an aquarium. This will help us discover the different ways that exist to get rid of it effectively.

What is an algae?

Algae are plant species that grow underwater and are capable of producing oxygenic photosynthesis. They collect light energy and transform it into chemical energy from carbon dioxide and oxygen. They are present in damp places, even if they are not always visible. The only way to perceive them is only when they are found in large quantities.

In addition, there is a wide variety of algae, which are easily distinguished by their nature and properties. They are therefore, most of the time, classified into four groups. Blue algae, alone in the phytoplankton category, are unicellular. They do not have organelles and their cellular material is not contained in a nucleus.

The second category is that of macro algae. Here we have green algae, red algae and blue algae. In contrast to the first category, macroalgae are characterized by the fact that the majority of cellular genetic material is contained in a nucleus. All these different algae have, not only a nourishing function for other species, but also a regulating one.

Before getting any idea, know that the presence of algae in an aquarium ensures the survival of other species in the basin. They recover nitrites from the waste released by animals in the form of ammonia. These nitrites are then transformed into nitrates which are beneficial for the algae. By doing so, the amount of waste or nutrients is reduced in the aquarium.
However, the functions of algae are not always beneficial to other species living in the aquarium.

How do algae appear in an aquarium?

Contrary to common ideas and what we hear everywhere, algae do not grow thanks to the sun. Indeed, they take advantage of the slightest imbalance within the basin and grow to the point of annihilating the other species. The primary cause of algae growth is excess nitrates. The more algae feed, the more they cross. Therefore, unless action is taken to reduce the presence of ammonia in the aquarium, the algae will always use it for their expansion.

Another factor for the increase of algae in an aquarium is the non-adjustment of the lighting. As algae are photosynthetic plants, they are able to transform the energy of light into vital molecules to reproduce. So a dysfunctional lighting system only benefits the algae, which take advantage of it to spread.

A lack of plant variety is also a factor that boosts the growth of algae. The less plant there is, the more space and nutrients the algae find on their own to be able to proliferate. Even if they are very large, it is always better to prevent them from growing in size and taking up space in your aquarium.

What are the means of limiting the presence of algae?

Preventing algae from proliferating in an aquarium is an exercise that is done on a daily basis. As soon as we drop a little vigilance, they resume their growth. You must therefore be prepared to follow your aquarium closely so as not to be surprised. The various means of limiting the presence of algae can be classified into two categories. We have the practical solutions, and the chemical solutions.

Practical solutions

Practical solutions, we first have the regulated lighting of the aquarium. It is always best not to subject your aquarium to direct sunlight. A simple climatic hazard can easily harm the life of species. It is therefore advisable to subject it to artificial lighting in order to better control the light. The recommended standard is 1 watt per two liters of water for 12 hours in a row.

In addition, be careful not to be surprised by a possible power outage. Take all your measures, because this is not to the advantage of the plants. If these do not benefit from what they need, they risk dying and giving way to algae.

Another practical trick to limit the presence of algae is to plant as many plants as possible in the aquarium. Then make sure that these plants grow quickly in order to establish competition with the algae. Even if you have to pull out a lot of them later, it's always better to do it when you have the chance.

On the other hand, it is necessary to limit the number of fish in the aquarium. The more numerous they are, the more ammonia they produce for the happiness of the algae. A final practical solution is to always keep the aquarium water clean. It must therefore be regularly rid of the waste that falls to the bottom. It is also recommended to regularly change part of the water in order to reduce the concentration of nutrients.

chemical solutions

Above all, it is essential not to use anti-algae products against algae. This has consequences for other plants in the aquarium. Thus, it will only promote the growth of algae after the elimination of essential plants.
A chemical solution is to regularly monitor nitrate and phosphate levels. Without making them disappear completely, it would be necessary to ensure that they are at a reasonable level. The injection of co2 into the pond can also allow plants to grow quickly in order to repel algae.
When injecting liquid fertilizers, it is advisable to start with a half distribution, as the algae may be the first to benefit.