Algae are growths of green or brown in color that form on the surface of plants. You can also say about them that these are photosynthetic organisms that produce chlorophyll, to some extent they resemble plants. But in fact, algae in the aquarium are pests, and therefore it is a mistake to call them plants.
When these organisms begin to grow rapidly, they give considerable care not only to beginners, but also experienced aquarists. As a rule, a large amount of light, as well as organics in the aquarium, affect the intensive growth of algae . For example, if a fish processes the necessary amount of food for plant growth, then green or brown growths will be quite easy to get along with.
The algae in the aquarium seem not so attractive, and getting rid of them is extremely difficult. It is no secret that even small pieces of such organisms are part of the ecosystem, and in this regard, they are able to receive food from various sources in the aquarium.
In the event that a so-called mat of algae has formed in your aquarium, then they will begin to multiply and compete with plants, taking away all the nutrients that are in it. Active growth of photosynthetic organisms occurs, as a rule, once a year.
Algae in the aquarium are of various types. The growths of various colors, which are discussed in the article, can bring benefits to you and your fish. When there is a sufficiently high level of nutrients in the aquarium, they absorb their excess, and this, in turn, makes the water cleaner. So, this process has a positive effect on the organisms that live in the aquarium.
In addition, the algae in the aquarium are an indicator of the state in which it is. For this reason, it is not worth immediately applying chemical agents aimed at combating these pests. It is better to use "natural methods" first. In addition, the use of chemicals can cause stress in the inhabitants of the aquarium.
So, malicious growths are green, red, brown (diatoms), blue-green.
Green algae in the aquarium are long green threads. In order for them to grow actively, they need a large amount of sunlight. It should be noted that such organisms are often dangerous for plants because they take all the nutrients out of them. But there is a way out of fighting them: it is mechanical cleaning or special fish - algae eaters.
Floating green algae resembles green blooming water. It is advised to resort to frequent replacement of water in the fight against them. You can also use algicide.
If you find green dots on the walls of the aquarium, then this is also one of the representatives of green algae. You can deal with such a pest with the help of snails, fish that feed on these organisms, or scrapers.
Brown algae in the aquarium look like brown slime growing on stones, soil, glass, and even plants. For algae eaters, this is one of the favorite treats. It is noted that the higher the level of lighting, the smaller the number of such growths.
The most harmful are blue-green algae, unlike ordinary green algae, they are able to produce substances that are very toxic to fish. At the same time, the growth of these organisms is affected by strong lighting, as well as a large number of nitrates and phosphates. Fish do not eat such parasites, so the best fight with them is to completely turn off the light in the aquarium, it is recommended to often change the water.
Thus, algae are parasitic organisms, it will be better if their number in the aquarium is minimal.