Saltwater Aquarium Algae
In order for a saltwater aquarium to succeed, a certain amount of algae is necessary. It performs certain beneficial functions like, the production of oxygen and the removal of various nitrogen compounds like nitrate. It also provides an excellent source of food for many fish and invertebrates. Actually, many marine fish need algae in their diets for their survival and good health.
Unlike some other plants, algae do not have roots, leaves, and stems. There are three different kinds of encrusting algae; green, red and brown. It is the green kind that is the most beneficial to marine fish. Most likely in a new aquarium that is being set up for the first time, after about a week of the aquarium being in operation, you will notice brown algae on the substrate, coral, and rock. It is totally normal and the first stage in establishing the aquarium. The brown algae called diatoms, require little light to develop and are very tolerant of various types of water conditions. But, if enough light of the right intensity is provided for the aquarium for at least eight to ten hours a day, you will notice that the green algae will grow and begin to replace the brown algae. Most likely, it will take several weeks to about a month to see a difference and it will be most noticeable on the rock and coral closest to the light source.
Besides the familiar encrusting algae, there are also many other types of higher algae known as macroalgae. They make very attractive decorative additions to any saltwater aquarium. The most suitable and hardy types that are commonly available for aquariums are species of Caulerpa, Penicillus, Udotea, and Halimeda.
Like other algae, macroalgea require a lot of light. When they are first placed into the aquarium, they should receive a continuous amount of light for about 48 hours to help establish them in the new environment. Macroalgea, like fish and invertebrates, do not do well unless they are provided with good water quality, filtration, and water circulation. Plus, they need to have the correct concentrations of nutrients and trace elements in order for good growth.
Various species of Caulerpa are the easiest to grow. It is a favorite food of herbivorous fish and invertebrates so it may be hard to grow in tanks with such animals. Although, once they are established in a tank, they usually grow so rapidly that regular harvesting is required.
Penicillus, Udotea and Halimeda represent some if the calcareous algae, each with varying degrees of calcification. Because the calcium in them, they have a degree of rigidity which protects them from being eaten by herbivorous fish. They also tend to be slower growers then Caulerpa. These types of algae are also important indicators of an important water quality parameter; calcium. If there is enough calcium present in the aquarium water, these plants will flourish.
Ounce believed that a clean tank was the best thing for a saltwater aquarium, marine hobbyists now know what an important part algae plays in the role of a well functioning, healthy tank.
In order for a saltwater aquarium to succeed, a certain amount of algae is necessary. It performs certain beneficial functions like, the production of oxygen and the removal of various nitrogen compounds like nitrate. It also provides an excellent source of food for many fish and invertebrates. Actually, many marine fish need algae in their diets for their survival and good health.
Unlike some other plants, algae do not have roots, leaves, and stems. There are three different kinds of encrusting algae; green, red and brown. It is the green kind that is the most beneficial to marine fish. Most likely in a new aquarium that is being set up for the first time, after about a week of the aquarium being in operation, you will notice brown algae on the substrate, coral, and rock. It is totally normal and the first stage in establishing the aquarium. The brown algae called diatoms, require little light to develop and are very tolerant of various types of water conditions. But, if enough light of the right intensity is provided for the aquarium for at least eight to ten hours a day, you will notice that the green algae will grow and begin to replace the brown algae. Most likely, it will take several weeks to about a month to see a difference and it will be most noticeable on the rock and coral closest to the light source.
Besides the familiar encrusting algae, there are also many other types of higher algae known as macroalgae. They make very attractive decorative additions to any saltwater aquarium. The most suitable and hardy types that are commonly available for aquariums are species of Caulerpa, Penicillus, Udotea, and Halimeda.
Like other algae, macroalgea require a lot of light. When they are first placed into the aquarium, they should receive a continuous amount of light for about 48 hours to help establish them in the new environment. Macroalgea, like fish and invertebrates, do not do well unless they are provided with good water quality, filtration, and water circulation. Plus, they need to have the correct concentrations of nutrients and trace elements in order for good growth.
Various species of Caulerpa are the easiest to grow. It is a favorite food of herbivorous fish and invertebrates so it may be hard to grow in tanks with such animals. Although, once they are established in a tank, they usually grow so rapidly that regular harvesting is required.
Penicillus, Udotea and Halimeda represent some if the calcareous algae, each with varying degrees of calcification. Because the calcium in them, they have a degree of rigidity which protects them from being eaten by herbivorous fish. They also tend to be slower growers then Caulerpa. These types of algae are also important indicators of an important water quality parameter; calcium. If there is enough calcium present in the aquarium water, these plants will flourish.
Ounce believed that a clean tank was the best thing for a saltwater aquarium, marine hobbyists now know what an important part algae plays in the role of a well functioning, healthy tank.
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