The seaweed they reproduce by the presence of spores that are generated at different levels in the evolution of the colony. In some cases these levels of evolution are appreciable since the different generations of algae often present totally different appearances.
They are the only organ that acts as stem and leavesThe root system present in algae plants is reduced solely to the objective of fix the organism to the substrate or rock.
His presence is part of the aquarium biodiversityTo a greater or lesser extent, they are always present in various forms depending on the elements present or absent that surround them. allow to develop.
These are the most primitive elements of the plant kingdom; they do not have a vascular system. The system of anchoring them to the substrate used is called rhizoid and is not useful for the assimilation of nutrients. absorption of nutrients is assimilated by algae across the surface of your body. Some species have a creeping grip axis called a rhizome or stolon.
What causes them
The type of light and its photoperiod, nitrogen compounds, waste and trace elements, will cause the algae present in our aquarium as well as its typeIf conditions are optimal for its development, the present species will reach pest status and begin to harm other organisms such as sponges or corals that have no defense against an invasion of carpet algae.
In an aquarium with new water, in the presence of light and with the appropriate amount of nitrate and phosphate, green filamentous algae will find your ideal environment to develop. When the traces necessary for the growth of green algae are consumed, they die, giving way to other types capable of growing with this limited element. In addition, a inadequate spectrum and long hours (start with 5 hours and do not exceed 8 unless stable) favor GSA/GDA; low or fluctuating levels of CO2 activate lint and filaments.
Controlling factors: light, CO2, nutrients, water and flow
Luz
Use a dimmable light and adjust the intensity and hours gradually. Initial photoperiod of 5-6 h, increasing to 7-8 hours if all goes well. Avoid direct sunlight. Algae take advantage different spectra to plants, so a suitable combination and duration make the difference.
CO2
More light means increased demand for CO2Maintain stable levels with pre-ignition injection (approx. 1 hour before) and homogeneous distribution. Natural CO2 (without supplementation) requires moderate light so as not to stress the plants.
Fertilizers
Feed the plants with macros (N, P, K) and microphones (Fe, Mn, B, etc.) by measuring and balancing. As a reference, maintain NPK ratios of 5 ppm NO3, 0,2 ppm PO4, and 6 ppm K, and avoid imbalances. A good fertilizer does not cause algae on its own if light and CO2 accompany.
Water
Make regular, large changes to dilute contaminants. Tap water is fine if removed. chlorine/chloramines; in ammonium problems it can be used zeolite. In diatom problems, watch out silicates and use osmosis water if applicable. Maintain stable pH and KH.
Substratum
Choose substrates that do not release pollutantsNutrients require more controlled fertilization; inerts require column fertilization. Avoid materials with silica if you suffer from diatoms.
Flow
Guarantee a movement of at least 7x the volume of the aquarium to distribute CO2 and nutrients and avoid dead zones. Seeing plants moving gently is a good indicator.
Most common algae and how to act
Green spot algae (GSA)
Hard spots on glass and slow leaves (Anubias). They appear with Low PO4 and/or low CO2Solution: Scrape glass, shade sluggish leaves, adjust phosphate and CO2, change regularly.
Green algae powder (GDA)
Very thin layer on crystals and rocks, common in young aquariums with low CO2/nutrients. Let it complete its cycle and remove it; stabilize nutrients and reduce frequent changes at the beginning.
Green fluff (Oedogonium)
Short threads on damaged leaves. Indica unstable CO2 or poor distribution. Improve CO2 flow and scheduling; Amano shrimp help. Spot with liquid carbon can speed up your control.
Filamentous/green beard
Long, sticky threads attached to plants and solids. Causes: long photoperiod, low or poorly distributed CO2, Insufficient NO3. Manually remove, reduce hours, stabilize CO2 and nitrate.
Blackbrush / Blackbeard (Audouinella)
Black/reddish strands in areas of high flow. Related to excess Fe/PO4 or deficient CO2. Remove affected leaf/element, spot with Excel or Neo Booster on off filters; reinforce CO2 and balance.
Deer antler (Compsopogon)
Gray twigs on leaf edges and near the surface. Triggered by high ammonium, poor flow, and nutritional imbalances. Clean the filter/substrate, prune, and apply liquid carbon spot treatment.
Cyanobacteria
Movie blue-green with an intense odor, it usually starts in the substrate. Favored by low flow y High PO4 vs. NO3. Improve circulation, balance NO3/PO4, reduce light and remove manually. Products with phytoncides (e.g., Phyton Git Plus/Sol) are useful; antibiotics only as last resource and under advice to avoid resistance.
Diatoms (brown)
Brown film or fine threads, typical at the beginning or with silicates and ammonium. Increase light moderately, boost bacteria, and use reverse osmosis water if SiO2 is high. otocinclus and snails help.
Cladophora
Rough, very filamentous invasiveAvoid it when shopping. If it does get inside, remove it by hand as soon as possible, strengthen plant competition, and apply targeted treatments; in severe infestations, reset of the aquarium.
Green water (unicellular)
Muddies the water after peaks of ammonium or imbalances. Solutions: blackout 3-4 days with aeration, UV filter, and/or specific clarifiers (e.g., Green Water Remover). Monitor ammonia rebound.
Prevention and practical maintenance
- Lots of plants from the start (especially fast-growing ones like ambulance) to compete for nutrients. “Plant helps plant.”
- Weekly changes of 30% and cleaning filters/substrate to reduce organic matter. Don't change the large filter and water on the same day.
- NO3/PO4 balanceAvoid chronically low NO3 and very high PO4. As a reference, PO4 > 0,1 mg/L and NO3 > 5-10 mg/L already allow algae growth if light is present.
- Anti-algae fauna: Caridina multidentata (Amano), otocinclus, Neritin y Crossocheilus siamensis/Flying Fox and some snails help within their compatibility.
- Tools/Treatments: systems Twinstar (increase O2 and nitrifying agents), UV for green water, spot with Excel/Neo Booster, anti-algae such as Azoo Algae Away or phytoncides Python Git. use As support, not as the only strategy, and always respecting doses and compatibilities.
With well-adjusted light, stable CO2, measured nutrients, clean water and sufficient flow, algae go from threat to manageable balance indicator; a consistent routine and diagnosis of causes will keep the ecosystem healthy and attractive in the long term.
