Algae: Friend or Foe?

Despite the great diversity that we see amongst the algae family they all have one thing in common. That commonality is Chlorophyll, the green substance that enables them to create their own food. This in turn brands them as a plant, therefore within your aquarium they function identically to live aquatic plants. Thus, one does not need to worry if an algae bloom is present in the tank; it is not harmful to your little ecosystem.

However, unlike plants algae do not produce seeds or flowers and can only multiply through dividing (the single celled species), production of spores and finally the process of fragmentation, which is when a small piece breaks off and if physical conditions are adequate begin new life elsewhere.

In the light of logic it is clear that algae are far from a foe and in healthy doses help to identify a healthy and well maintained ecosystem. The only true issue with algae is that it can grow on glasses and distort our vision. In fact algae are one of the first forms of life found on our plant; therefore they are common in a newly created aquarium or pond for that matter.

When I worked at a local fish store, I remember many individuals entering the store "freaking out!" as they would called it, when algae had turned their water green or simply brown algae covering their tanks. I had more than a few laughs regarding their reactions, knowing that algae was the least of their worries in fact they should only be worried if there was no algae!

Many inexperienced or misinformed co-workers offered them artificial products that removed algae through gradual treatment, but this always lead to long-term hardship for owners since they were in fact disturbing with the natural process and functionality of their tanks. Therefore I would NEVER recommend any chemical product to be used to control your algae outbreaks.

There are simple and cost effective ways to control your algae without harming your tanks inhabitants.
Now that we understand that it is OKAY to have algae, we can reach ways of controlling it within our tanks.
Since they are in fact plants, they thrive on exactly the same resources as your aquatic plants. These simple needs include lighting, minerals and fish waste.

Method 1: would be placing hardy plants into your tank from the very beginning, which means competition for resources. See my other article for more details (Freshwater Guide for The Beginner)

Method 2: will entail housing some species that view algae as a form of dietary needs, some of these species include snails for both fresh and saltwater, Platies, Siamese flying fox and Otocinclus for the freshwater and species such as Tangs, Blennies and certain types of Hermit crabs for the saltwater tanks. Check out (Freshwater Algae Eater Guide)

Method 3: is the good old elbow grease, using a brand new dishwashing sponge or the commonly sold magnetic glass cleaner, to quickly and effectively scrub down those glasses. Keep in mind that the longer the algae remains on the glass the harder it is to remove them.

Method 4: cut down on water changes, you are only adding more minerals for the algae to consume, if you are required to make regular water changes use water that is low on minerals. Now I know many of you would disagree but if you have set-up your tank correctly weekly 15-25% water changes need to occur at a degreased rate, see my other article for more details (Freshwater Guide for The Beginner). This method excludes dealing with green water algae which can only be dealt with through gradual water changes and correction of feeding habits, lighting and finally the competition factor.

With the combination of these four important methods if you are still getting algae blooms at an alarming rate, this can only mean four things:

- You are over-feeding
- Mineral imbalance, too much of one thing or too much minerals in general
- Lighting is either inconsistent or too great, (or direct sunlight)
- Your tank is heavily over stocked (too many fish creating too much waste)

Simply adjustments will defiantly help you control your algae, and remember algae are a friend!