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Looking for an effective way to rid your aquarium of black algae ? How to eliminate black (cyano) algae in an aquarium? Resistant and aggressive, these particular algae are however not impossible to eliminate. Let's see together the different ways to avoid or get rid of black algae.
Basically, the presence of algae in an environment like the aquarium is an entirely natural phenomenon. Also known as blue algae , they tend to die out within a few weeks of setting up the aquarium ( nitrogen cycle ).
It is important to regularly analyze the water in your aquarium, moreover we have a small guide to discover here on the analysis of water in an aquarium . Below is a case that we recommend in most cases to all our aquarium owners.
It already makes it possible to identify the water quality and to act accordingly to slow down the development of algae in an aquarium. You can also add aquarium bacteria which will speed up the development of the nitrogen cycle.
These bacteria will reduce the level of organic matter that promotes the development of algae in an aquarium. Of course, we recommend that you carry out a small water analysis.
When black algae proliferate, it means that your installation has a problem (deficiency, excess of nutrients, overpopulation, ...) We can easily identify the problem by carrying out an appropriate water analysis + addition of bacteria for the aquarium . Also remember to provide an aquarium filter adapted to your volume of water and properly cleaned.
Indeed, black algae are more harmful, even more ferocious for plants such as fish. They make aquarium maintenance more difficult, and can eventually take hold and become completely invasive.
You may also be interested in: How to Eliminate Algae in an Aquarium
In short, black algae are what are called cyanobacteria orCyanobacteria . They are therefore molecular organisms, which develop in an aquatic environment.
" These cyanos can grow just about anywhere, in fresh water, sea water. They are photosynthetic species, creating energy in the form of carbohydrate from the energy of the sun."
They contain chlorophyll, which gives them their blue/green appearance. These types of algae can also be composed of other water-soluble pigments: these turn black when mixed with the color blue/green.
In practice, black filamentous algae do not just invade the decor. They also implant themselves in the leaves of aquatic plants, which they end up destroying.
Here are some products that work very well to limit algae:
The growth of these algae indicates that the ecosystem of the aquarium is out of balance. Unlike green species which are less harmful, you will have to be quite reactive with black algae. Indeed, you must quickly eradicate them at the risk of seeing your bin destroyed.
Black algae can be found in several types of aquarium, even those that have been designed for aquascaping . In general, black colored algae appear in aquariums containing a large number of fish, with or without plants. To complicate things a little, black algae have several color shades: sometimes this makes their identification a little more laborious.
Inside the aquarium, black algae can take various forms. Thus, we will sometimes find filamentous black algae and, at other times, black brush algae. These invasive plants also take on the appearance of quite viscous blackish dots on surfaces, walls or even gravel.
If black algae are so resistant, it is because they have an outer coating that protects their cells. They are also called penicillate algae or beard algae, because the tufts are identical to a beard or a brush.
You may also be interested: our selection of oxygenating plants to keep a balanced pond .
In an aquarium, the appearance as the proliferation of black algae can be caused by different reasons. Below, we have listed different parameters that could favor the development of these algae, as well as the corresponding solutions.
A disturbing proliferation of black algae can be explained by a high organic contamination of the water. Generally, this contamination is caused by overfeeding and a lack of regularity in changing the water. In other words, the risk of invasion increases if your water is not renewed frequently. This is also the case if the tank is not well maintained.
An alkaline pH that exceeds 7.5 and a high carbonate hardness above 13°KH or 25°THCa strongly favor their development. In this case, the more dirt your aquarium accumulates, the more nitrate is formed and the more it risks an invasion of black algae. You can thus just clean the residues stuck to the substrates using a suitable cleaner (siphon).
In other cases, the growth of black algae in aquariums is caused by the lack of a CO 2 system . However, this one is very beneficial for a good balance. This lack of carbon dioxide allows algae to take up all the carbon it needs to survive, and faster than slow-growing plants.
They are also able to dissociate the carbon from the hydrogen carbonate ion which will considerably increase the pH. It's a whole process that helps algae strengthen their cell walls, making them stronger.
An aquarium with not very fresh water irreversibly attracts black algae. So you can check the condition of your water using JBL, KH and GH drop tests. These two tests are of the same importance: they have the same qualities to determine with precision the state of your water.
Depending on preferences and context, there are several ways to deal with black algae. Before reaching that point, it is even possible to prevent their appearance by adopting regular maintenance habits. That said, you can opt for anti-algae treatment or choose to eradicate them naturally.
Here are some products that work very well to limit algae:
Algae bloom also depends on your feeding habits of the aquarium inhabitants. If you are used to using liquid fertilizer, you should temporarily stop or greatly reduce the dose. It is also important to avoid overeating by decreasing the amount of food.
It is important to carry out regular and thorough cleaning of your aquarium device. This maintenance work takes into account the weekly water change, to avoid the accumulation of dirt.
It must also include the cleaning of substrates and filtrations, the brushing of the decoration, as well as the cleaning of the windows. Of course, the bottom of the device must be cleaned using a siphon. Be sure to remove any leaves that have served as algae prey.
Some of our customers have succeeded in eliminating cyanobacteria by plunging the aquarium completely in the dark for 4 to 5 days. This helps to break the development of photosynthetic algae. There are natural solutions like adding herbivorous fish or snails that will help limit the spread of bacteria.
We recommend the preventive and curative use of aquarium bacteria. The most powerful are bactocool bacteria developed by the University of Gent . These bacteria will help limit the development of algae in the aquarium.
In the case of an invasion by black algae, it is recommended to use treatments based on hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) or glutaraldehyde . On the other hand, use this treatment only when the natural solutions do not succeed, therefore as a last resort.
Effective solutions to limit algae in aquariums:
The dose used should be both high and low (3%) to avoid harming your plants and animals. After this treatment, some plants may temporarily change color. They should normally gradually regain their natural appearance, since this is a completely normal phenomenon.
The only freshwater aquarium fish capable of eating black algae is the crossocheilus oblongus . However, it is of a large size, which does not necessarily facilitate its arrangement in all aquariums. It can only fit in a 200 liter tank, or even more!
There are also Amano shrimp, which play a big role in eliminating this type of algae. However, make sure that the concentration of calcium does not exceed the average, otherwise, even these animals will not be able to do anything about it.
All aquariums contain algae, although not all of them are visible. But when these pests grow to the point of impacting the well-being of your plants and animals, they need to be got rid of.
One of the most effective solutions is the use of bacteria which will compete with cyano and black and blue algae. These bacteria will compete with algae.
One of the surest ways is prevention. The more you adopt the right behaviors from the start, the more you will protect your tank. But black algae are difficult to eliminate; then, you can use the chemical treatments to remove them. It's also possible that the algae won't disappear completely after the process, but at least you would have managed to slow down their growth.
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