Aquarium Algae Control
The Quest to Vanquish the Green Aquatic Monster
What will you do if one day, you just found your fish tank being attacked by one of the most ferocious monsters that you fish tank has ever faced? This creepy (pun intended) green monster, more popularly known as algae can be a real pain to clean, and what’s worse with this monster, is that it literally comes back for more every now and then. If you wish to be able to vanquish this evil monster successfully, then you would need to do some aquarium algae control.
Well, okay, maybe my definition as a green monster was too exaggerated, because this green fellow is usually harmless when they are present in very small quantities. BUT, when they start growing in large quantities, serious problems start to rise. Fortunately, there are several preventive measures that you can do to ultimately limit the quantity of algae on you fish tank.
Set the entire underwater environment in constant motion
Well, yeah, the firs are swimming and the plants are a static as they may be, so what do I mean by setting them in motion? Prevent a condition were any kind of build up would develop, for example, do not overstock, and in this process you have to clean the excess food that your fishes did not manage to eat. Also, do regular partial water changes, to keep the otherwise stagnant water fresh and free from any kind of material build-up. Oh, and keep you fish tank away from any direct contact with sunlight please.
Enhancement items and tools for aquarium algae control
Protein skimmers are one of the best items to use to prevent these algae from building up in your aquarium, as they dissolve all sorts of organics and proteins that usually attract these little green critters to gather around in your fish tank.
Power filters can also help in preventing algae build up, but you would have to replace the filters more often. Organic build up in the wastes found on the filter can actually be a breeding ground for algae, and if you’re not careful, they might come bursting out of the filter before you even know it!
Ultraviolet sterilizers are some of the optional devices that you can use to further reduce the build up of algae in your fish tank. Although they are originally used to kill disease outbreaks in an aquarium, they can also be effectively used to halt the growth of algae for a period of time. Be wary though, don’t let the sterilizer on for a very long period of time, as it can cause harm to other aquatic life when used excessively.
At least be prepared if a battle does ensue
If they do build up, be prepared for lengthy session of aquarium scrubbing. There are available algae pads out there that you can use to scrub these green monsters off your aquarium. If you are using an acrylic tank, be sure to use the softer pads to prevent scratches to develop.
Not really a well cooked up aquarium algae control plan as it would seem, but this should help you get a head start on the green enemy that you are going to have to deal with from time to time. Remember, never give up the fight, always plan ahead, and never let this monster have an opportunity to manifest itself as much as possible.
Freshwater Planted Aquarium
Aquatic plants are a great addition to any aquarium, Not only do they provide that added natural look in your aquarium, but they also give that elegant and decorative look that you’re sure to make anyone tilt their heads towards the aquarium every time they happen pass by the fish tank. Starting your adventure in finally putting that plant in your fish tank presents some hazards and dangers that you can easily hop over, if you understand the basic rules about freshwater planted aquariums.
Substrates Fit for Aquatic Plant life
Yes, that’s right, just like ordinary plants, aquatic plants also need a good base for it to rest upon and grow. One common mistake that beginners do is to stick these plants into any substrate without considering the actual value of that substrate to the plant. These aquatic plants need a good substrate for them to start growing, and they particularly need an iron rich base.
Iron enriched substrates should be available at your local specialty store, but if you still want to be able to save money somehow, you can buy half of the substrate and use it as a layer in your aquarium. You can then fill the subsequent levels of the substrate by any other substrate material, for as long as the roots of the plant stays in firm contact with the iron enriched soil.
Proper Lighting for further Plant Growth
What do teachers in grade school teach you about the importance of sunlight to plants? That right, sunlight is crucial for the plants because they need it for the natural process called photosynthesis. This works the same way for plants, only of course they are in a limited artificial environment, so you would need to provide a proper source of lighting for them.
Choosing the proper amount of lighting is important, but it is also important to know that plants have their own biological clock, and synchronizing with this biological clock is necessary for them to grow naturally. Simulate the effects of actual night and day, turning on the lighting for about 12 hours and then turning them off for 12 hours before turning them on again.
Make sure that the nutrients are adequately provided
Nutrients as well, are needed by the plants to grow. Generally, an aquatic plant won’t need additionally nutrients for the first 4 weeks, can vary depending on the environmental conditions and depending on the plant itself. One common way to infuse nutrients into the tank for plant consumption is to use fertilizers, but don’t use too much though, as it can be very lethal to both the plants and the fishes in the water. Also, plants usually require more nutrients when they are exposed to more intense lighting, so you might have to balance the amount of lighting before determining the amount that you want to administer to the plant.
Starting your own freshwater planted aquarium is not that really hard nor is it any troublesome. It just depends upon your passion and interest as an aquarist to expand your knowledge and skills in creating and keeping an artificial underwater environment.
