The above image depicts a situation where the algae problem is out of control in one of our aquarium tanks.
Battling Algae: A Beginner's Guide with Personal Insights
Algae can be a bit of a troublemaker in your fish tank, and it often sneaks in from various places. Anything you put into your tank—like plants, fish, or decorations—that's been in another aquarium or natural water could bring in algae. Even the water that comes with them might have some algae hitching a ride. While fish and most animals usually aren't the main suspects, things like snail shells and plant surfaces can be hiding spots for algae. There's even a debate among aquarium folks about whether tiny airborne spores could be bringing algae into your tank.
**Getting Rid of Hair Algae:**
If you've got the stubborn kind of algae called hair algae, here's what you can do. First, try to remove as much as you can by hand. It might be a bit tricky, especially if the algae is stuck to your plants. If that's the case, take the plant out of the tank to make it easier. Gently pull the algae off, making sure not to disturb your plants too much. You can also trim away parts of the plants that have a lot of algae, but don't go overboard and cut too much, as your plants are the heroes in this fight against algae.
**Water Changes and Fixing Things:**
Now, let's talk about water changes. Many aquarium experts suggest doing water changes to help with algae. If there's a buildup of too many nutrients (the stuff plants and algae eat), doing a water change can fix that. Depending on your tap water, it might also add some helpful nutrients to your tank. Some people, though, think you should do fewer water changes in a low-tech tank (that means a tank without fancy gadgets) because changes in water can give algae an advantage. Algae can adapt to changes faster than plants, and we want our plants to be the winners in this battle.
**Personal Experience with Flourish Excel™:**
In my own aquarium journey, I've found a helpful companion in Flourish Excel™. It's like a secret weapon against algae. You see, all plants need a source of carbon, usually from CO2. But Flourish Excel™ offers a different kind of carbon that plants can use. It's like giving them a ready-made building block instead of waiting for them to make it from CO2. This has been a game-changer for me, especially when adding more CO2 could mess up the pH levels in the tank. Flourish Excel™ also has iron, which plants love, and it helps them grow stronger.
**Getting Rid of Hair Algae:**
If you've got the stubborn kind of algae called hair algae, here's what you can do. First, try to remove as much as you can by hand. It might be a bit tricky, especially if the algae is stuck to your plants. If that's the case, take the plant out of the tank to make it easier. Gently pull the algae off, making sure not to disturb your plants too much. You can also trim away parts of the plants that have a lot of algae, but don't go overboard and cut too much, as your plants are the heroes in this fight against algae.
**Water Changes and Fixing Things:**
Now, let's talk about water changes. Many aquarium experts suggest doing water changes to help with algae. If there's a buildup of too many nutrients (the stuff plants and algae eat), doing a water change can fix that. Depending on your tap water, it might also add some helpful nutrients to your tank. Some people, though, think you should do fewer water changes in a low-tech tank (that means a tank without fancy gadgets) because changes in water can give algae an advantage. Algae can adapt to changes faster than plants, and we want our plants to be the winners in this battle.
**Personal Experience with Flourish Excel™:**
In my own aquarium journey, I've found a helpful companion in Flourish Excel™. It's like a secret weapon against algae. You see, all plants need a source of carbon, usually from CO2. But Flourish Excel™ offers a different kind of carbon that plants can use. It's like giving them a ready-made building block instead of waiting for them to make it from CO2. This has been a game-changer for me, especially when adding more CO2 could mess up the pH levels in the tank. Flourish Excel™ also has iron, which plants love, and it helps them grow stronger.
👉 Check this out!
https://www.thetechden.com.au/products/seachem-flourish-excel-500ml-plant-fertiliser?variant=32307259473964
**Understanding Your Water:**
Speaking of water, let's check what kind you have. Algae likes water that's alkaline and has a high pH. If your tap water is naturally soft, that's good news. But if it's hard like liquid rock, there are ways to deal with it. You can buy special water or use a filter to get the right conditions. Some folks use something called RO water, which is often mixed with tap water or special stuff to get the water just right. Another trick is adding something called CO2, which can help your plants and make the algae less happy.
**Making Water Crystal Clear with Koika Clear:**
Now, let's talk about Koika Clear. It's like a superhero for your water. It makes it crystal clear and helps get rid of bad smells. Imagine it like a magical potion that keeps your water fresh and clean. It even stabilizes the good bacteria in your filter system, making sure everything stays balanced.
**Understanding Your Water:**
Speaking of water, let's check what kind you have. Algae likes water that's alkaline and has a high pH. If your tap water is naturally soft, that's good news. But if it's hard like liquid rock, there are ways to deal with it. You can buy special water or use a filter to get the right conditions. Some folks use something called RO water, which is often mixed with tap water or special stuff to get the water just right. Another trick is adding something called CO2, which can help your plants and make the algae less happy.
**Making Water Crystal Clear with Koika Clear:**
Now, let's talk about Koika Clear. It's like a superhero for your water. It makes it crystal clear and helps get rid of bad smells. Imagine it like a magical potion that keeps your water fresh and clean. It even stabilizes the good bacteria in your filter system, making sure everything stays balanced.
Where to buy Koika Clear? 👉Check this out!
https://duckaroo.com.au/collections/aquarium-probiotics/products/koika-clear-105ml
**Summing It Up:**
So, in the world of aquariums, dealing with algae is like solving a puzzle. You need to gently remove the algae, consider doing water changes, and understand what kind of water your fish and plants like. Adding a little Flourish Excel™ and using Koika Clear can be like having friendly allies in this battle. It's a bit of trial and error, but that's okay. Each aquarium is different, and as you learn and try out different things, you'll figure out the best way to keep your tank clean and your fish happy.
**Summing It Up:**
So, in the world of aquariums, dealing with algae is like solving a puzzle. You need to gently remove the algae, consider doing water changes, and understand what kind of water your fish and plants like. Adding a little Flourish Excel™ and using Koika Clear can be like having friendly allies in this battle. It's a bit of trial and error, but that's okay. Each aquarium is different, and as you learn and try out different things, you'll figure out the best way to keep your tank clean and your fish happy.
I hope you enjoy the read and happy planting!
P.S. This the result after we got rid of the algae 🌱😊🌟
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