NUISANCE ALGAE - HOW TO GET RID OF

Opposite to the beauty of wanted macroalgae in the marine tank, unwanted microalgae - so-called nuisance algae- can become a real nightmare for aquarists.

To identify them is a task which is with some research normally done quite quickly, but to get rid of them can take weeks if not months.

From our experience, we want to give you one possible guideline to get rid of these unwanted pest algae in your marine aquarium, to bring back

the enjoyment of this fantastic hobby.

We know that there are very different approaches, so feel free to add your comments and ideas below. This guide will concentrate on the general approach to this problem and is therefore much shorter and more focused written.

Please have a look at our Introduction and future articles when you like to dig deeper into this topic.





Nuisance Algae - Why do they grow in your tank?

The basis for the growth of algae in your tank is the existence of Phosphate and Nitrate in the water ( we neglect other chemicals algae might need as trace parts, to keep it simple here), plus sufficient lighting.



Phosphate!

The main reason how phosphate gets into the marine tank is with the food, especially by frozen food and some phosphate-rich flake food products.

Nitrate!

In short words... comes mainly from the excretions of your livestock and decomposing material.

The usage of dry or older live rock can cause your tank to cycle again, and will normally cause an algae bloom, which normally takes a few weeks.

Even larger movements of existing live rock in your tank can cause a new algae bloom.

How to get rid of nuisance micro algae?