Question about Algae...

[Scott_S]

Probably a dumb question, but...

Is algae growth an inevitable occurrence, no matter how the tank is set up (no direct sunlight, no live plants,etc.)?

In other words, is it not a question of "if", but a question of "when."


Thanks for any answers :)

[Dave66]

Newer tanks, especially if NOT a planted tank, as soon as fish are added and fed, and either they produce it via their metabolism or it is already present in the tap water, phosphate levels start to rise and that, coupled with higher nitrate levels that new tanks often have, is the perfect recipe for algae. Until the tank stabilizes (zero ammonia, zero nitrite, less than 10 ppm nitrate) and natural infauna proliferate, over time, usually a month, nutrient levels will as well. Thus established aquariums rarely have algae troubles unless they overfeed their fish and/or shirk their maintenance duties.
The brown haze often present in newer tanks are diatoms, which is algae in a sodium silicate shell. They occur when silicates are present and phosphate and/or nitrate are high. Diatoms are fairly easy to remove, but the engine that drives them - high phosphate/nitrate - must be addressed before assailing the diatoms. When those two nutrients are in hand, diatoms will slowly fade away.
As will most algae.
Cyanobacteria requires a different method - light. The higher the light the less food the bacteria can assimilate and they literally die.
In well designed and filtered tanks, especially if they are quite well planted, rarely have troubles with algae of any kind.
So in some causes it's 'If' in others, 'when'.
Oh and there's no such thing as a dumb question save for one not asked.

Dave

[Scott_S]

Thanks for the informative reply. Much appreciated... :)

[sandy_n]

Newer tanks, especially if NOT a planted tank, as soon as fish are added and fed, and either they produce it via their metabolism or it is already present in the tap water, phosphate levels start to rise and that, coupled with higher nitrate levels that new tanks often have, is the perfect recipe for algae. Until the tank stabilizes (zero ammonia, zero nitrite, less than 10 ppm nitrate) and natural infauna proliferate, over time, usually a month, nutrient levels will as well. Thus established aquariums rarely have algae troubles unless they overfeed their fish and/or shirk their maintenance duties.
The brown haze often present in newer tanks are diatoms, which is algae in a sodium silicate shell. They occur when silicates are present and phosphate and/or nitrate are high. Diatoms are fairly easy to remove, but the engine that drives them - high phosphate/nitrate - must be addressed before assailing the diatoms. When those two nutrients are in hand, diatoms will slowly fade away.
As will most algae.
Cyanobacteria requires a different method - light. The higher the light the less food the bacteria can assimilate and they literally die.
In well designed and filtered tanks, especially if they are quite well planted, rarely have troubles with algae of any kind.
So in some causes it's 'If' in others, 'when'.
Oh and there's no such thing as a dumb question save for one not asked.

Dave

Great explanation. It sure helped put things in perspective for me. Thanks Dave. :c3:

[MeganL3985]

great post dave :)

[Nick89]

Dave as always great reply (: .

[luvfins]

I had my 10 gallons in the basement for almost a year, no natural light at all, incandescents on 12 hrs a day, and I never had even a speck of algae. Within a week of moving them upstairs I started to notice algae growth.
Thats my newbie experience lol.