Aquarium Freshwater Algae
Aquarium Freshwater Algae
Identification and treatment of aquarium freshwater algae.
By Neale Monks, Ph.D.
 Freshwater algae by Oliver Lucanus. |
In the freshwater
aquarium, algae are rarely more than an irritant, but they sometimes
reveal underlying problems that may need fixing before a more serious
aquarium water quality problem develops.
Types of Algae
DiatomsDiatoms are brown-colored algae with siliceous cell walls that are are very tolerant of low light levels. Aquariums with serious diatom problems are most likely not receiving enough light for good plant growth.
Red AlgaeKnown as hair, beard and brush algae, these are different members of the red algae group, despite their usually dirty green color. Red algae tend to appear first on the edges of plant leaves but can also be found on solid objects, such as bogwood.
Green Algae
Green algae needs bright
light and is more common in brightly lit tanks than in gloomy ones.
Arguably a sign of good environmental conditions, green algae is rarely a
pest because so many fish and invertebrates happily eat it.
Occasionally, a planktonic green algae bloom turns the water green; this
is more common in fish ponds than aquariums and is known as “green
water.”
Blue-green Algae
Technically these
are bacteria known as cyanobacteria. They appreciate still,
nutrient-rich water and are consequently most common in overstocked
tanks with inadequate circulation and insufficient water changes.
Blue-green algae aren't eaten by most fish, but some do, such as Ameca
splendens. Some of the Nerite snails eat blue-green algae too.
Really, there is only one way to combat blue-green algae: remove the
conditions it likes. Stop direct sunlight, ensure good water movement
and reduce nitrate/phosphate concentration.
+ نوشته شده در شنبه ۲۹ خرداد ۱۳۸۹ ساعت ۱۱:۴ ق.ظ توسط محمد رسولی نژاد
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