Tank Talk Technical Feature:
Controlling Algae in the Aquarium.
Andrea Watts (http://www.aquarticles.com)
Following is a list of some suggestions for algae control in your aquarium.
1. Dense planting. Planting your aquarium densely from the onset will help to deter the establishment of algae. Rapidly
growing ?bunch plants? (plants that are grown from cuttings and sold in bunches at the LFS) fall into this category.
They will utilise the nutrients in the aquarium very quickly, making it difficult for algae to compete.
2. Water changes. Regular, large water changes help to eliminate the nitrogenous waste and phosphates that algae need
to thrive. Replace half the water every week (or at least every second week).
3. Introduce algae eating fish. There are many suitable species that can be introduced into the aquarium to help control
algae. They should be added sooner, rather than later. Do not allow an alga problem to develop before adding the fish.
Most fish will not be able to eat enough algae in an all ready overgrown aquarium. If they are sparingly fed, they will be
forced to look towards the algae as a food source. Suitable additions include: Otocinclus spp. dwarf plecos, whiptail
catfish, and members of the Loricariidae genus and most live bearers (e.g. Mollies). Large plecos are not suitable, as
they tend to munch on plants and outgrow the tank. Members of the Corydoras spp. help to stir up the substrate and
help deter algae from settling and taking hold.
4. Light starvation. Decreasing the amount of penetrating light that an aquarium receives can sometimes control algae.
This action may be as simple as reducing the amount of time that the lights are in use or positioning the tank so that
direct sunlight is limited. Blackwater extracts or wood (tannins) can help to darken the water and starve algae of the
light needed for photosynthesis. Floating plants may help, however they will also reduce the amount of light that
penetrates down to your plants.
5. Physical removal. Filamentous algae can be reduced by gently combing and winding the strands around a small
brush (e.g. toothbrush). Ornaments/décor can be lifted from the tank and brushed or soaked in bleach or potassium
permanganate. Remember to thoroughly rinse the décor to rid it of residual chemicals before returning it to the
aquarium. Algae scrubbers are a cheap investment from the LFS.
6. Chemical control. A product called Health Guard (from Seachem) is excellent for controlling all algae, including
blue-green algae. It is safe for all plants and fish. When all else fails, the addition of copper sulphate can be considered.
A weak solution of copper sulphate (bringing the cop-per concentration up to around 0.3-0.5