Habitat - Indoor :: Two Words

[marisa]

I'm talking specifically about the green algae, which is what I think is what most people find in their tanks. There are many kinds, however, and I remember reading that some are not healthy. Isn't there one kind that's helping to kill off coral reefs?

[untsmurf]

Its looks like they're having issues in Hawaii with their reefs being taken over by algae. Here's a link about it:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/07/070730-super-sucker.html

I don't think we need to worry about it in our tanks, but it's crazy how fast it's taking over.

[Azfar]

I don't think we need to worry about it in our tanks, but it's crazy how fast it's taking over.

Agree

[Maltliquor45]

i got the following info from here on algae - about fish not turtles -

http://www.aquariumpros.com/faqpro/algae_1.shtml

the gist:

*Algae growth is inevitable in an aquarium.
*Algae consume nutrients in the aquarium that if allowed to accumulate, are harmful to fish. Algae can be a good thing.
*The presence of green algae in an aquarium indicates a healthy environment for fish.
*There is absolutely no way to completely prevent algae from growing in an aquarium, without killing the other life in the tank.
*Chemicals should never be used to control the growth of true algae in an aquarium, and should only be used in rare circumstances to control cyanobacteria.
*Correcting a severe algae problem requires time and patience.
*Natural methods of controlling algae are the best and most effective.

Algae removal from the tank panels can be done on an as-needed basis, but no more than once a week. Removing algae involves either correcting negative water conditions to control or slow excessive algae growth, or an age-old process known as "elbow grease" (scrubbing it off!). Algae removal in an aquarium should be done only when necessary. We have seen many aquariums where daily removal of algae resulted in fish that were so stressed, most had diseases and were dying. You should never remove all of the algae from your tank. Allowing some algae to grow in the aquarium can be beneficial to the aquatic environment. When algae is removed from aquarium side panels, care should be taken to select an algae scrubber that will not hurt the finish of an aquarium. Be careful not to get gravel caught in an algae scrubbing pad where it can scratch the aquarium. Never use household cleaning pads to remove algae. They contain fungicides that kill fish.

[Maltliquor45]

now i'll have to figure if what i have is cyanobacteria or true algae!

[Lantic]

Good job on finding this article.

[theartbook35]

Its looks like they're having issues in Hawaii with their reefs being taken over by algae. Here's a link about it:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/07/070730-super-sucker.html

I don't think we need to worry about it in our tanks, but it's crazy how fast it's taking over.

Imagine if you set up a really awesome saltwater coral thing, and then algae took over and ruined your hard work. Few would I be mad...

[Maltliquor45]

algae in a coral reef aquarium would not be aesthetically pleasing at all.

but if it will take some nitrates out of the water naturally through algae i can live with it.

[theartbook35]

algae in a coral reef aquarium would not be aesthetically pleasing at all.

but if it will take some nitrates out of the water naturally through algae i can live with it.

No, it would not.

It would kill the coral too.

[Lantic]

I found an interesting article on how algae and coral work together. They need each other to survive, which i thought was very interesting to think about. Heres the link http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6382469.ece

[Maltliquor45]

algae in a coral reef aquarium would not be aesthetically pleasing at all.

but if it will take some nitrates out of the water naturally through algae i can live with it.

No, it would not.

It would kill the coral too.

i meant for my turtle tank not for a coral reef aquarium