{"id":2140,"date":"2019-03-15T10:58:45","date_gmt":"2019-03-15T10:58:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.tetra.net\/en\/en\/?p=2140"},"modified":"2019-03-20T15:54:18","modified_gmt":"2019-03-20T15:54:18","slug":"dont-give-algae-a-chance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tetra.net\/en-en\/dont-give-algae-a-chance\/","title":{"rendered":"Don’t give algae a chance!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Algae doesn’t always spell disaster!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In biological terms, algae are just normal plants. Algae spores, which are algae germ cells, naturally appear in water on decorative items or new plants and initially are not too serious. In fact, a light covering of green algae is actually a sign of good water quality. It is also entirely normal for a covering of algae to appear in the first few weeks after setting up a new aquarium. This tends to disappear of its own accord after a relatively short period of time. However, if algae suddenly develops in a well-established aquarium and manages to grow over the other plants, this jeopardises the water quality and the healthy, biological balance of the habitat. Sudden, intense algae proliferation is often a clear sign that the biological balance in the aquarium has already been heavily polluted by over-feeding or other organic waste (unnoticed dead fish or snails) and is subsequently in trouble. Action must be taken to resolve this to avoid ending up with an unattractive aquarium or even losing fish. However, a gradual increase in algae growth also suggests that the water contains a surplus of phosphate and nitrate. This normally means that the tank is overstocked in relation to its size. Algae is also more likely to form in aquariums without plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prevention is key<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is generally accepted that prevention is always better than cure and this also applies when dealing with algae. In fact, aquarists can start preventing the spread of algae as soon as they set up a new tank. This begins with the substrate, which should have the right grain size (usually 3 to 6 mm gravel). Provided that the depth of the substrate is sufficient, suitable, fast-growing aquatic plants bought from specialist retailers will receive enough support to develop properly and make it difficult for algae to grow by competing for nutrition. In addition to this, the substrate should also be mixed with Tetra CompleteSubstrate or Tetra InitialSticks , as well as Tetra NitrateMinus Pearls, when setting up a new aquarium. The first two products mentioned are slow-release fertilisers and promote healthy plant growth without polluting the water, whilst the Tetra NitrateMinus Pearls reduce the level of the unfavourable algae nutrient nitrate. They work their way into the substrate and reduce the nitrate content over an extended period of time (up to twelve months) to ensure better water quality for the long-term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the pearl granules (Pearls), the purely biological substance is also available as the liquid Tetra NitrateMinus to allow for easy reapplication at a later date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conducting a weekly test of the main water values will give you an indication as to whether the aquarium is in a stable and healthy condition. The Tetra Test 6in1 test strips make it easy for you to reliably test the six main water parameters, including the nitrite and nitrate content. Both values should be kept at a very low level. You can help to prevent an unfavourable increase in these values by carrying out water changes both promptly and regularly. Alternatively, by using the care product Tetra EasyBalance, you can also safely reduce the levels of phosphate and nitrate, which promote algae growth, without carrying out traditional water changes. This prevents unwanted algae growth, particularly when the tap water already has a naturally high nitrate content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Causes and remedies:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The following table provides information on which steps should be taken and which parameters should be tested to prevent the formation of algae:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Problem<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n