Saltwater Aquarium Guide -- Algae Nuisance and Control

Algae Nuisance and Control (page 1)

The growth of algae is a natural occurrence but only when it becomes unmanageable, that's when the problem starts. A way of managing the growth is to:

  1. Limit the conditions they need to thrive.

  2. Have livestock that will eat most of the algae.

  3. Remove it by hand with magnets, blade scrapers, and brushes.

Remember that you want to remove the algae, not just dislodge it. When using the magnet, after a few swipes take it to the sink and rinse it off. Continue cleaning and repeat the rinsing process as often as needed, rinse the scrubber when you are done. Some algae will get away and this cannot be avoided. So remove as much as you can. Algae that is dislodged and left in the tank will either reattach elsewhere, decompose, or get trapped in the prefilter. Also by following the below recommendations, managing the algae in your tank will be a breeze.

  1. Tap water is purified with a triple carbon prefilter and Reverse Osmosis or Deionizer (RO/DI) system.

  2. Kalkwasser should be used regularly to keep the pH between 8.2 and 8.4.

  3. Water changes every 2 to 3 weeks are recommended.

  4. Prior to adding the new premixed water, siphon off the debris on rock and in crevices.

  5. Change your prefilter pad weekly.

  6. Reduce the lighting from 12 hours a day to 9 hours a day.

  7. Reduce the use of any unnecessary additives.

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