![]() ![]() ![]() Since eliminating water from the aquarium is not an option, light and contributing factors must be controlled and adjusted.įluorescent light bulbs are the most commonly used light sources, but they need to be replaced every six to nine months due to a loss of lighting power over time and a change in the light spectrum. Prevention is possible by avoiding a favorable environment that allows excessive algae growth.Īlgae growth relies on water and light, as well as other contributing factors such as: nitrates, organic and inorganic pollutants, phosphates, silicates, and iron. Successful algae control requires controlling the aquatic environment thus avoiding an outbreak and the subsequent algae treatment. Instead of trying to eliminate algae by treating the symptoms, it is far more effective to focus on the cause. However, outbreaks can and should be controlled to maintain tank health. There, they patiently wait for favorable conditions that will lead to their explosive and destructive outbreak, causing numerous problems.Īlgae cannot be completely eliminated from the aquarium no matter how big the effort. Furthermore, algae are part of a healthy aquatic environment and are an important supplemental food source for many species.Īlgae are always present: either naturally (in the form of spores), or by catching a ride on newly purchased ornaments, fish, and plants. Since this is a one-way downward spiral, once we understand the environment and accept that there will always be some algae in the system, we can approach algae control in a much more effective way. Nitrate, resulting from the breakdown of organic waste, is the cause and therefore the real problem in the aquarium. Nitrate is the REAL cause of algae growth. It is well established that nitrate is the primary cause for algae growth within the fish tank. While chemicals may destroy the algae, in the long-term they worsen the conditions in the aquarium, making renewed outbreak more likely. Dead algae increase the accumulating organic waste in the aquarium, leading to an increase in nitrate. Real aquarium algae control is not accomplished by dumping chemicals into the tank. Treating algae directly is not effective algae control. Once algae becomes a problem, treating the cause is required for a lasting and successful solution.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |