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Saltwater Aquarium Algae
The growth of Algae in your saltwater aquarium is natural, the algae can be seen as good or bad depending on whether or not they become unmanageable and get out of control.
We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of algae in your saltwater aquarium, also look at different algae types, including those that you want to keep.
SO WHAT ARE THEY?
They are photosynthetic organisms that occur throughout the wordl from fresh to saltwater and range from north to south pole. They are a simple form of organisms that range in size from the one-celled microscopic types to large seaweeds that grow to beyond 230 feet in length.
They are extremely hardy organisms that have a tremendous reproductive capacity.
They can enter your aquarium as algal spores borne by the air or carried by tank furnishing from another aquarium.
Algae is bottom of the food chain therefore are important form of organism, they provide oxygen and food for aquatic life and will adopt to all types of water conditions.
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They can be planktonic, meaning they float freely in the ocean and when they do they are called microalgae . The term seaweed refers to larger species of called macroalgae , that live in the marine environment attached to the bottom.
In your saltwater aquarium, algae can be found on the waters surface or on the surfaces of the aquarium glass, rocks, gravel, coral, and decorations.
Many are introduced on live rock or coral, but some enter your saltwater aquarium though the water from other aquarium and as spores.
Even though theres many different types of algae they all have a common requirement they need lights to grow and nutrients like nitrates and phosphates are the fertilizers to survive.
Strong Aquarium lighting and nitrate from the nitrogen cycle let them grow, during this cycle at the start of your aquarium set up the algae will bloom.
But why do a lot of people think that they are a nuisance?
Many aquarium hobbyists believe thattheir saltwater aquariums must be clean and sterile looking which means it is clean and healthy. They will remove as much as much of it as they can , but if you snorkel or can scuba dive in the oceans you will find theres algae everywhere.
They are important part of the natural coral reef ecosystem. Many of the fish and invertebrates feed on them alone. So learn to promote there growth in your saltwater aquarium, but remove some as a routine to maintain your tank.
When They Get Out of Control
Everyones aquarium will get over run with algae once in a while, excessive amount consume oxygen during the night and covers live corals and live rock. They clog the saltwater aquarium filtration system and are very unsightly to your vision.
When you experience algae bloom, it is a sign that something is wrong in your aquarium. Remember that they need light and nutrients to survive so check on these factors when they become a nuisance.
- Light
- Nutrients
Try to set your aquarium far from where there is a direct sunlight as this cant be controlled lighting.
Keep natural lighting under control. Keep the aquarium lighting on 10-14 hours for planted aquariums and 6-10 if you only have ornament set ups.
Also, use only aquarium lamps! Other fluorescent limited spectrum of light invites outbreak. And change the bulbs frequently.
As these bulbs ages, they lose their spectrum and intensity. Once the spectrum changes, unwated growth will be expected.
Its favorite nutrient is phosphate. Remove it by using phosphate controlling media for your filtration system.
Another source of nutrients is when you over feed your saltwater fish, corals and other inhabitants you may have in your aquarium. Try reducing to a single feed to control the growth of algae.
Add extra plants to your saltwater aquarium, as these will complete for the light and nutrients of the algae.
Know Your Algae
The following are the ones that you are most likely will encounter:
- Chlorophyta or Green Algae
- Rhodophyta or Red Algae
- Phaeophyta group - Brown Algae
- Diatoms
- A group of bacteria called the Cyanobacteria - Blue-green Algae
Text and Photo Source: Saltwater Aquarium Online Guide
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