| There are many issues and concerns that most | | | | need algae for their health. Many times, diatoms, a |
| aquarists and fish enthusiasts have to deal with at | | | | type of algae, are thought of as algae that are |
| one time or another. One prevalent issue that is | | | | good for their fish, while green algae serves less |
| addressed is that of excessive freshwater tank | | | | purpose and can cause problems at high levels of |
| algae and its effects on the health and quality of | | | | growth. |
| your fish tank. In order to to properly deal with | | | | It is important to know and understand the |
| this dilemma, it is essential to learn and understand | | | | different types of algae found in your home fish |
| the different types of algae and how it is possible | | | | tank to know how to properly deal with it. One |
| to control its growth. | | | | common algae type are blue-green algae. As its |
| Algae are a natural part of aquatic ecosystems | | | | name implies, this type rapidly proliferates in |
| and can be considered good or bad depending on | | | | blue-green and sometimes as slimy sheets. |
| the type of algae and the level of growth in your | | | | To rid of this type, you may use an erythromycin |
| fish tank. For instance, algae growing in small | | | | compound. Be careful however because it may |
| quantities are a good sign and indicates the quality | | | | possibly pose adverse effects to helpful bacteria. |
| of water in your fish tank is probably okay. Low | | | | This is an antibiotic therefore kills bacteria, including |
| levels of algae are very controllable and are | | | | those that are important for the health of your |
| oftentimes kept in check and consumed by algae | | | | fish tank. Brown algae are another type which |
| eating fish. Algae growing at low levels isn't a | | | | forms in clumpy patches of soft brownish color |
| pressing problem because it is easily removed | | | | which are commonly diatoms. It is more rare for |
| through routine maintenance. | | | | this type to become a problem, but may be |
| On the other hand, algae growing at high levels | | | | considered aesthetically undesirable. There is also |
| where the tank water is green is an indicator that | | | | green algae that can take over your fish tank. |
| bad water quality is present in the water of your | | | | There are also chemical treatments for this type |
| fish tank. It eventually will destroy the aesthetic | | | | as well. Excessive algae growth indicates other |
| value that most fish keepers are trying to | | | | problems in your tank such as excessive waste |
| achieve with their aquarium. | | | | from raising too many fish, too much light, or an |
| There are varying opinions about how to treat | | | | inadequate filter system. |
| some types of algae that are growing in your fish | | | | It takes knowledge, information, and |
| tank at nuisance levels. For instance, some | | | | determination to deal with freshwater tank algae |
| aquarists may think that algae are destructive and | | | | and to control its growth for your fish health and |
| thus rid them from their home aquarium. They | | | | quality. However, if you follow guidelines I |
| deem them destructive because it doesn't look | | | | promote such as not overloading your tank with |
| good, and it can be destructive at high growth | | | | fish and having an adequate filter system, you |
| levels. Other aquarists may deem algae healthy | | | | shouldn't have many problems. Cultivate your |
| and necessary for the dietary supplement of their | | | | passion the right way and you will definitely enjoy |
| fish. At low levels this is true, algae feeding fish | | | | the fruits of your efforts and hard work. |