Nitrate is the waste by-product of nitrifying bacteria (nitrobacters), which develops as part of the nitrogen cycle and occur as the final stage and stages are ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Nitrates are a key component to make an aquarium's biological filtration system function and stay in balance.

Why Is Nitrate a Problem Element?

Nitrates are potentially dangerous due to its affects on the aquarium water chemistry and on the healthy environment for your fish while nitrates are accumulating. The higher the nitrate levels the higher and severe the consequences due to the stress on your fish and the favorable conditions for a serious algae outbreak

What Is an Acceptable Level for Nitrate?

The optimal amount of nitrate in any type of saltwater system is an negegible, but an acceptable range for fish-only tanks is from 10 to 40 ppm, sometimes with no ill effects. This is not recommended as extreme fish stress will occur at around 60 ppm. In reef systems aquariums even a minor level of nitrate can cause damage as well as death to delicate corals, anemones and other invertebrates, as well as some crustaceans. The acceptable range of nitrate for reef tanks is 0.25 ppm, but not more than 5 ppm.

Other Sources of Nitrate

Aquarium Water changes or topping up water from evaporation are ways to increase the nitrate levels in the saltwater aquarium. Ensure you use purified water and a brand of sea salt mix that may contain nitrates. Therefore filter tap water and use the correct sea salt mix.

How to Lower Nitrates

In order to control nitrate levels, there are a number of things you might consider including:

* Quality Saltwater Aquarium Filtration system
* Purchase aquatic species that eat algae, such as Surgeons, Tangs, Rabbitfish and Filefish.
* Change out about twenty-five percent of the water every seven to ten days.
* Put in plants
* Make sure your aquarium is large enough for the number of fish it contains.

For more information on Saltwater Aquariums click here to Saltwater Aquarium Guide

Blue-green algae are technically not algae at all in fact they are a bacteria. Due to fact they are aquatic and make their own food they are considered an algae.

This group of bacteria is called the Cyanobacteria.

The Blue Green Algae are very small and single celled but can grow large enough to colonies your saltwater aquarium. their colours can vary from a\black to red though to purple.

Like a lot of bacteria, these type of algae in your substrate are beneficial to the health of your saltwater aquarium. They feast on detritus (organic wastes).

They form a dark brownish-red gelatinous mat called red slime which can result from poor water quality, high nutrients level and poor water circulation.

They can form on rocks, gravel, and plants in your saltwater aquarium and produce toxins that poison the saltwater aquarium fish. They must be physically removed with a siphon during a partial water change.

There are several products readily available on the market nowadays to help eliminate slime algae, but the key is to stay on top of your water chemistry, water changes, and water motion or circulation.

For more information on commn types of Algae's see below:

1. Chlorophyta or Green Algae
2. Rhodophyta or Red Algae
3. Phaeophyta group - Brown Algae
4. Diatoms
5. A group of bacteria called the Cyanobacteria - Blue-green Algae

For general information on Saltwater Aquarium Algae click here.

Recommended Algae Products by Saltwater Aquarium Guide

Text and Photo Source: Saltwater Aquarium Online Guide

Diatoms are microscopic cells composed of overlapping half shells of silica, which spend their lives floating in the ocean or in the sediments near the bottom.

Their silica shells, called frustules, are microscopic size and makes them hard to see.

The Diatom's iIn the ocean form a major part of the “plant-plankton” called phytoplankton, which provides important food for the “animal-plankton” called zooplankton.

These algae spread rapidly with high nitrate levels and generally are the first algae to establish themselves in your saltwater aquarium. They form a brown slime on the gravel, rocks, decoration and aquarium glass.

As your saltwater aquarium matures, they should disappear. Scrape them away to keep a clear view of your saltwater aquarium fish when they become obvious.

Like all algae, the best way to deal with this type is by targeting its prevention. To produce their frustule and live out their lifecycle, they need abundant silicates or silicic acid.

Silica sand is a common source, so it is highly recommended that you use a limestone sand or gravel instead.

Some commercial salts for mixing marine water will also increase the levels of silicates – be sure to read the labels and before you add.

Also, try to keep invertebrates such as snails. They will roam the saltwater aquarium, walls, rocks and even the hard to reach spots and feed on algae.

For more information on commn types of Algae's see below:

1. Chlorophyta or Green Algae
2. Rhodophyta or Red Algae
3. Phaeophyta group - Brown Algae
4. Diatoms
5. A group of bacteria called the Cyanobacteria - Blue-green Algae

For general information on Saltwater Aquarium Algae click here.

Recommended Algae Products by Saltwater Aquarium Guide

Text and Photo Source: Saltwater Aquarium Online Guide

Their results from the dominance of a xanthophylls pigment, which masks other pigments including chlorophyll.

Colors range from pale beige to yellow-brown to almost black.

The most common form of brown Algae is called kelp. They are the largest algae and can grow greater than 200 feet in length. Some forms come attached to live rock when purchased.

Like the red algae, brown algae are beneficial for saltwater aquariums.

They start there life as brown patches on the gravel and/or glass, then quickly covers most surfaces of the saltwater aquarium with a thin, dark brown coating.

It can easily be removed and wiped away. Most common in a newly set up aquarium. It is usually caused by several things like too little light, an excess of silicates, an abundance of nutrients, and too little oxygen.

Silicates can build up through tap water that is high in silicic acid, and silicates that leech from some types of substrates.

Wipe off the surface and siphon the gravel during partial water changes you do. You can also use silicate absorbing resin in your saltwater aquarium filter. If you increase the duration of the lighting, they will inhibit re-growth.

As your saltwater aquarium matures, they should be eliminated naturally by plants and green algae (Chlorophyta) that will competing for nutrients.

As with most common saltwater aquarium algae, keeping the tank clean and performing regular water changes is one of the best preventative measures for algae.

Unfortunately it is still possible to get algae in spite of regular maintenance, especially in a newly established aquarium.

Prompt attention to sudden algae growth will prevent more serious problems.

For more information on commn types of Algae's see below:

1. Chlorophyta or Green Algae
2. Rhodophyta or Red Algae
3. Phaeophyta group - Brown Algae
4. Diatoms
5. A group of bacteria called the Cyanobacteria - Blue-green Algae

For general information on Saltwater Aquarium Algae click here.

Recommended Algae Products by Saltwater Aquarium Guide

Text and Photo Source: Saltwater Aquarium Online Guide

This group of red algae is called Rhodophyta, they consist of approx 6,000 species and most of them are marine seaweeds.

They get their red appearance due to the pigment call phycoerythin, which absorbs blue light and reflects back red light. Their coloration, will depend on how much of this pigment they reflect and can range from reddish yellow to bright red to greenish blue and brown.

Because blue light penetrates much deeper than our colors, these algae usually live at deeper depths and are well adapted to low lighting conditions.

They can be added to your saltwater aquarium by introducing live rocks.

The most common are from of Red Algae called coralline algae, which secrete a hard calcareous shell the way corals do.

They are also considered to be important in the formation of tropical reef.

They are beneficial to your saltwater aquarium, encrusting rocks and even spreading to fixtures and glass.

For more information on types of Algae's see below:

1. Chlorophyta or Green Algae
2. Rhodophyta or Red Algae
3. Phaeophyta group - Brown Algae
4. Diatoms
5. A group of bacteria called the Cyanobacteria - Blue-green Algae

For general information on Saltwater Aquarium Algae click here.

Recommended Algae Products by Saltwater Aquarium Guide

Text and Photo Source: Saltwater Aquarium Online Guide

These are the most diverse group of algae, but only 10% of them are in marine forms and they are generally the beneficial type of algae to have.

They are color green because of the chlorophyll pigments, mant are seaweeds and appear as a green cloudiness in the water. It forms a green film on the aquarium glass sometimes.

Larger ones may come in desirable plant-like shapes or less desirable hair and mat-like forms. But the most attractive are cultivated and sold as an attractive additions to the aquariums.

Popular Types

Heres a few of the popular types:

Caulerpa spp

This is the most popular, hey come in a variety of colours from lime green to bluish brown.

They usually have single stalk with blade-like leaves.

Halameda spp

Algae in that belong in this type contain calcium. They resemble underwater cacti growing as a series of circular flat plates.

The white calcium from these algae contributes to the sparkling white sand that you see on Caribbean beaches, when they die. In the aquarium, they are indication of a healthy environment.

Valonia spp

These species of algae are what we commonly called bubble algae.

They form clusters of bubbles. They can overgrow an saltwater aquarium and should be maintained and regularly cropped.

For more types of Algae's see below:

1. Chlorophyta or Green Algae
2. Rhodophyta or Red Algae
3. Phaeophyta group - Brown Algae
4. Diatoms
5. A group of bacteria called the Cyanobacteria - Blue-green Algae

For general information on Saltwater Aquarium Algae click here.

Recommended Algae Products by Saltwater Aquarium Guide

Text and Photo Source: Saltwater Aquarium Online Guide

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.

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

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.

• Nutrients

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:

1. Chlorophyta or Green Algae
2. Rhodophyta or Red Algae
3. Phaeophyta group - Brown Algae
4. Diatoms
5. A group of bacteria called the Cyanobacteria - Blue-green Algae

Text and Photo Source: Saltwater Aquarium Online Guide

Cleaning algae in your saltwater aquarium should be part of your routine maintenance and care.

Algae are not really a bad thing, but most aquarims are far better without too much of it. To better understand, here is why algae exists and how you can manage it to avoid problems.

Nitrate, phosphate, carbon dioxide and dissolved organic matter are substances that accumulate in your saltwater aquarium providing the fuel for the algae to grow.

Nitrate is the first source of life for algae and is actively available in the nitrogen cycle in your tank when you are setting it up.

Phosphate will be present in your saltwater when you conduct a partial water change. Excess food that your fish did not eat will also be present. You cannot avoid phosphate but you can control it.

Carbon dioxide will always be present whether you like it or not.

Then the last component comes from the dissolved organic matter. Installing a protein skimmer will help in this algae control.

Excessive amount of these nutrients leads to algae outbreaks in your saltwater aquarium. It also needs light to thrive so avoid direct sunlight.

There is really no single simple maintenance technique on how you can avoid algae growth. But knowing which ones and how much are good will help.

More information about algae and types of algae can be found here.

Complete guide to saltwater aquarium maintenance and care

Text and Photo Source: Saltwater Aquarium Online Guide