HOW TO CONTROL COMBAT ALGAE IN PLANTED AQUARIUM

The control and removal of algae is certainly one of the serious issues we have
to deal with when taking care of planted aquariums.  There are many different
types of algae; each type has its own growth pattern and requires a special
attention using the most suitable method of removal.

-Green algae on glass surfaces

They are most commonly seen on the inside walls of aquarium tanks.  Green algae
develop during the initial installation period of an aquarium as well as on the
glass surface and white diffusion filter of Co2 diffusers in a mature aquarium.

Remove the algae growing on aquarium tank walls with a shaving blade, and then
change the aquarium water.  When you use a shaving blade near the substrate area of
the layout, be cautious not to let sand get in between the blade and the glass
surface.  Otherwise the sand scratches the glass surface and leave ugly scratch
marks as you move the blade.
You can remove green algae accumulated on the diffusion filter of a Co2 diffusers
with bleach,

- Beard algae on Anubias

Slow-growing aquatic plants are more vulnerable to the algae problem than the
fast growing kinds.  A group of plants in the Anubias family is a good example.
When diatom algae, which are often seen on Anubias' leaf surfaces during the
initial aquarium installation period, are not removed properly, green algae
may start spreading over the diatom algae.  In case a large amount of beard
algae grows around leaf margins of Anubias, apply dilute hydrogen peroxide solution
using a painting brush.
*Do NOT apply hydrogen peroxide to any other aquatic plants.

- Black beard algae on layout stones and driftwood

Black and tough beard-like algae growing on stones and driftwood can be seen
in the aquarium with a high nitrate level.  Please pay close attention and
take care of them before they become unmanageable.
After scraping off algae with hard tooth brush, release Siamese Flying Fox and
Caridina babuati in the aquarium.  If the condition is critical, remove
water from the aquarium, and cover the affected area of stones / driftwood
with a paper towel, soaked with several drops of hydrogen peroxide , overnight.
Then, fill the aquarium with water in a usual manner.

- Foul smelling blue-green algae covering over the undergrowth

They are considered as a type of Cyanobacteria, easily caused by excess
nutrients in the aquarium water.  They are also found in places, such as
densely-growing undergrowth of aquatic plants, where water flow hardly passes
through.  If you see them in your planted aquarium, you must act quickly as
they spread over so fast!
Suck out blue-green algae using a small hose, and sprinkle Beneficial bacteria over
the area.  Then release some Black Molly in the aquarium.

If you experience an outbreak of algae in your aquarium, you might be
over-feeding your fish.  Uneaten, left over fish food is an excellent food
source for algae growth because it causes excess nutrients in the water.
Watch fish carefully every time you feed them and adjust their servings.
Uneaten food should be removed from the aquarium after each feeding session
to minimize water contamination. 

Algae control using invertebrates
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We  recommends the use of Caridina babuati (wood shrimp), Otocinclus and
Siamese Flying Fox for algae control.