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Algae Problem in aquarium tank (ii)

I think that it is with this aquarist in mind that we can coin a definition for the term: algae problem". The thing is that these green encrusting algae are green plants with similar, though not quite identical need to the whole range of other plants that we try to grow in aquariums.

Therefore, as long as conditions are suitable for the growth of light loving plants such as Water grass (Vallianerial Sp.), Water Wisteria (Hygrophila Sp.) some green encrusting algae will grow.

The question now is - Do they constitute a problem.

From personal experience with my tanks, the answer is a resounding "NO!" I happen to like having these small green algae on the rocks, side and back of the tank. They act almost like a living barometer, telling me whether things are okay or not.

Every week though I scrape any growth that has develop on the front glass - but I only do this for aesthetic reasons. As long as the algal growth is no thicker than a "skin", I get no growth either on my other plants or on the gravel.

The fish, for their part, don't seem to mind either. In fact, they regularly peck at the encrustation’s, obviously deriving some nourishment from them. Some species of fish actually require a large amount of algae in their diet. Best known examples are the sucking loach or Chinese algae, eater-gyrinocheilus aymonieri and the plecostomus and hypostomus. But unfortunately they are rare to come by in pet shops in the country. The most common alga eater around is the Black molly.

Obviously, some people especially those operating their aquariums on purely artificial systems may disagree entirely with my view and may consider all algal grow a problem. The major reason for their line of thought would be the green blanket on their plastic plants, filter pipes and gravel’s that could be so unsightly.

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