Mary Allen
Algae growth in the aquarium can cloud the view of colorful fish. To prevent this, not only regular cleaning by hand helps, but also algae-eating aquarium inhabitants.
A vibrant and colorful aquarium is one of the most spectacular things to have in the home. Unfortunately, it can happen that too much algae growth clouds the view. For some, this has taken all the fun out of the lovingly furnished freshwater pool. Worse, however, is that algae infestation is also harmful to the fish in the long run. However, with proper preparation and care, algae infestation can be avoided.
Peter Merz from the Fördergemeinschaft Leben mit Heimtiere eV (FLH) is an experienced aquarist and ornamental fish breeder and knows: “When a new tank is set up, a temporary cloudiness is quite normal, but if the tank that has been run in is no longer clear, that is a clear sign that the natural balance is disturbed.» He gives the following tips so that newcomers to the aquarium can keep a clear view and get maximum enjoyment from their tank:
Patience When Entering
No fish belong in a newly purchased aquarium for the time being! The tank must be filled with water, substrate, and plants for a long time so that the necessary bacterial cultures can form and the appropriate water biology has set in. This “running in” can take up to four weeks. Special bacterial mixtures are available in pet shops.
The Right Amount of Fish and Plants
It is clear to everyone that too many fish in a small space is not a sign of proper husbandry. But too few aquatic plants can also cause an imbalance in the freshwater tank because they produce new oxygen and algae can thrive unhindered without competition. The size of the ideal stock depends on the size of the pool and the residents. Individual advice from a specialist retailer is best here.
Employ Useful Helpers
There are numerous aquarium inhabitants who are only too happy to take care of the algae in the water. The Otocinclus, for example, which can be up to six centimeters in size, is one of the most popular algae eaters. This lively ear lattice catfish comes from Brazil and should be kept in groups of at least six animals. These fish are incredibly hard-working, spend a lot of time on the bottom, where they find most of their food, but also clean the windows of algae and biofilm by literally sucking on them. Other fish that help with algae control include Siamese sucking loaches, Siamese Algae Eaters, and Pygmy Loricariidae.
Aquatic snails, such as the ramshorn snail, are also useful because they mainly feed on what is left: uneaten food, dead plant matter, algae, etc. Also satisfy shrimp, which are becoming increasingly popular especially with beginners and in spectacular aquascape tanks a function as a cleaner. However, they are not in good hands with larger fish but are rather kept in small plant tanks with few or no fish.
Create Good Lighting Conditions
Green algae carry out photosynthesis and love sunlight. Therefore, a shady place without direct sunlight is recommended. With fluorescent tubes, spotlights, and a timer, the lighting conditions can be optimally controlled so that the aquatic plants thrive and the underwater world is as bright as possible. With healthy growth, the plants no longer leave any nutrients for algae. To promote this, special CO2 systems can be installed that “feed” aquatic plants with carbon dioxide.
Regular Maintenance and Water Changes
Leftover food, dead plant remains, and other larger impurities should be removed from the tank manually; Cleaning aids, such as magnetic pane cleaners, are part of the aquarist’s basic equipment anyway. It is best to set aside a fixed day of the week for more complex maintenance work, such as partial water changes.
Keep an Eye on the Water Values
Especially at the beginning, before the fish move in, but also afterward, it is important to always measure the water values. High concentrations of nitrite, which is formed by fish excretions, are toxic to fish and plants. Special tests are available from specialist retailers.
Courage for the Big Pool
Some beginners have already had the unfortunate experience that the biological balance in a newly purchased aquarium has been upset and could no longer be restored. Peter Merz knows another reason for this: “Many believe they have to start with a small tank because it supposedly takes less effort. But the smaller the aquarium, the more difficult it is to create harmony between the animals and the plants. The larger the habitat, i.e. the volume of water, the more stable the values remain. Algae have it harder that way and laypeople are less likely to go wrong.” Beginners should therefore start with larger tanks and leave the miniature aquariums to the professionals.