Green spot alga is a common type ofalgaethatyou may see in your freshwater base aquarium . A small amount of this type of green algae is normal and expected in any aquarium , but an gigantism can be cover and prevented .
Characteristics and Causes
Spot algae are seen as orbitual , thin , shiny dark-green spots that stick strongly to the Earth’s surface of the glass and other hard surfaces . Typical causes are excess light and excess nutrient .
If your tankful is experiencing green office algae on flora , in all probability it ’s due to low phosphates . If it is on the glass but not on the plants , then just clean the chicken feed ; you are doing fine .
Prevention of Spot Algae
Use these maneuver to prevent spot algae :
Regular tank cleaning andwater changesare the good preventative measures. Prompt attention to sudden alga overgrowth growth will prevent more serious job .
Treatment for Spot Algae
The curative for maculation alga is to scrub or scrape off surfaces . Spot algae can only be automatically remove . On glass tanks , scraping with a razor blade is very effective . Sharp objects should not be used in acrylic fiber aquariums . Instead , use a credit card razor , cloth pad , or a very gentle scouring pad .
armoured combat vehicle treatment : step-up phosphate dosing slightly in your estimative index ( EI ) fertiliser regime .
daub handling : Turn off the filter ; utilize one of these three options , wait five minutes , and rick on the filter .
Credit: Neil R.
For options 1 and 2 , if the algae keep on coming back to the treated area quickly , then you need to increase the inorganic phosphate in your dose regimen , unless you are okay with spot treating the area every dose .
For option 3 , you run a risk of bottom out on nitrates during the discussion , due to your lack of regular macro dosing . A gamey fish warhead counter this effect . If you have Java ferns , this can do them to blacken at the bakshish and melt a bit if the nitrates keep bottom out .
Using the Estimative Index (EI)
The estimative indicant is a straight method for allow nutrients for a planted tank . The idea behind EI is simply infix a little excess of nutrients within an aquarium throughout the hebdomad and doing a in force - sized water change ( such as 50 per centum ) at the oddment of the calendar week . This floods the water column and feeds the plants .
Measuring specific nutrient uptake rates is not necessary . you may maintain a range of nutrients without ever using a test kit . Fish aquarists do this same approach with discus and other fish they want to feed heavily to increase growth rate / training . The 50 per centum water alteration generally take about the same amount of time as a 25 percent piddle variety once you haul out the hosepipe . The time and piece of work differences are fairly pocket-size .
EI helps to prevent plant nutrient lack and allow unhampered plant growth . Most algae - have-to doe with issues are due to plant deficiencies rather than redundant nutrient levels ( ammonium ion is a potential exclusion ) . Other issues for alga are too much light and , most often , poor CO2measurementand dosing .
alga in the Planted Aquarium . Greater Washington Aquatic Plant Association .
