Hey everyone I was just doing some work on my tank and had a question about algae, is there a good algae or is it all bad and I was wondering if anyone knew the different colors of algae and what it means?


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Having algae means that there is too much light and enough nutrients in the water to feed it. The nutrients come from excessive feeding and not enough removal of organic waste through water changes and gravel vacuuming.

Algae is more of an eyesore then anything else.

I have heard that brown algae can be linked to high nitrates but I am completely unsure if there is any truth behind that.

I get brown quite a bit, not killer, but noticeable......I change the water every 3 days, I don't over feed, & my tanks are all under stocked.....I am guilty, however, of leaving my lights on waaayyyyyyy too long.

I generally don't clean the backs of my aquariums all that much....just the sides & front for viewing. I think it helps control nitrates.

If it does get out of control, please refer to what Rocksor posted. Simply cut back on light & feeding, & step up the frequency & volume of WC's. Algae need light & nutrients like nitrate, phosphate, etc to prosper....cut back on that & you will cut back on algae.