Algae are an integral part of the underwater world of any water body. But in the aquarium the rapid growth of algae indicates some kind of unhygienic aquatic environment. Algae begin to develop in large quantities in cases where there is a violation of the optimal balance of carbon dioxide, light and organic fertilizers. The natural filtration provided by aquarium plants is often insufficient to restore the disturbed balance.
The surplus of algae spoils the appearance of the aquarium. If there is a lot of algae, then the quality of aquarium water deteriorated, which affects the inhabitants of the aquarium negatively. Considering that algae reproduce very quickly, and the volume of the aquarium is not so great, it is necessary to begin to struggle with the appeared algae immediately after their detection. But how to fight - depends on the type of algae that appeared.
There are about thirty species of algae that clog our aquariums. Among them, diatoms, blue-green, filamentous algae, black beard.
Diseases of aquarium plants: black beard
Probably, many aquarists faced the so-called black beard - aquarium algae, attached to plants, on the walls and equipment of the aquarium. Killing a black beard, settled in the aquarium, primarily, slowly growing plants. These algae reproduce very quickly, but it's quite difficult to get them out and this process is very long. Therefore, the fight against a black beard must be complex and permanent.
Let's take a closer look at how to deal with the black beard and how to get rid of it.
It is very important to regularly change the water in the aquarium, and carefully clean the container. If the contamination of the aquarium is large, then the water will have to be changed daily. It should be remembered that fresh water should be cleaned of phosphates and nitrates. These unwanted elements are removed from the water by means of an ion-exchange filter. Ground should be regularly cleaned from the products of life of the inhabitants of the aquarium and the remains of feed. Be sure to remove the dying stems of underwater plants. The water in the aquarium must be rigid and have an alkaline reaction. Do not over-crowd the aquarium.
Do not rash too much food: the optimal amount should be such that the fish eat it in 3-5 minutes. Illumination should be slightly increased, but do not overdo it: there is a risk of green algae. For a good growth of useful plants, fertilizers and enough carbon dioxide are needed. You can eliminate excess oxygen by placing an ordinary bottle of yeast in the aquarium. Use ready-made fertilizers that contain neither phosphates nor nitrates, but are rich in various other trace elements. While fighting black beard, turn off the aeration, since these algae do not like water turbidity.
In order to successfully combat the black beard, it is necessary to plant fast growing plants in the aquarium, which must also be cut from time to time. Leave the fish from the aquarium for quarantine, at this time disinfect all devices and equipment for the aquarium.
Fight with aquatic algae can be and chemical means: boric acid, brown, manganese or preparations designed specifically for aquariums. However, these methods have a temporary effect in the fight against a black beard.
Some aquarists believe that an effective way to treat a black beard in an aquarium are aquarium fish that feed on them. The best cleaners are catfish, which with their sucker mouths can perfectly clean the entire aquarium. These fish are most active in artificial twilight, which can last up to 40 minutes a day. Well clean the aquarium is also ototsincki, Mollies, Chinese algae.
If you notice that the black beard begins to lighten - this is a sign of a successful fight against it. After a while, algae will fall off from their habitats. True, after the disappearance of the black beard may appear green algae, but they will soon disappear.