Algae Control in Planted Tanks

Algae control in planted tanks starts with plant health, not algicides. Identify every algae type by sight, then fix the cause - here's where to begin.

Green Spot Algae

How to control green spot algae (GSA)

There is a difference between green spot algae (GSA) vs green dust algae (GDA). Green spot algae forms distinct circular dots that are very tough to scrape off while green dust algae is easily wiped/scrapped away. GDA forms much more quickly than GSA.

Read moreabout How to control green spot algae (GSA)

Algae and tank maturity

Algae and tank maturity

How to deal with the initial algae spike after setting up a new tank. Diatoms and filamentous algae often attack plants in a new planted aquarium setup. How we tackle this?

Read moreabout Algae and tank maturity

Do excess nutrients trigger algae growth in a planted tank?

Do excess nutrients trigger algae growth in a planted tank?

Debunking the myth of 'Excess nutrients' as the principal trigger of algae growth in planted tank.

Read moreabout Do excess nutrients trigger algae growth in a planted tank?

This is a picture of black beard algae on plants in freshwater aquarium

How to get rid of black beard algae in a planted aquarium

This is a detailed guide on causes of BBA in planted aquariums and how to get rid of black beard algae. While dosing APT Fix works to kill off BBA but it does not address the root causes. Read on to find out how to keep your planted tanks clear of black beard algae (BBA).

Read moreabout How to get rid of black beard algae in a planted aquarium

How to get rid of Green dust algae

How to get rid of Green dust algae

Green dust algae is a common algae that appears as a green film on tank walls. It is easily wiped off but comes back quickly. For aquascapers that had tanks with chronic GDA, wiping the glass on a weekly basis might seem like an inevitable thing - we assure you that it is not. Read on to find out how to control green dust algae (GDA) in a planted aquarium.

Read moreabout How to get rid of Green dust algae

BGA blue green algae cyanobacteria 2HR aquarist

How to control cyanobacteria (Blue-green algae) in an aquarium

Cyanobacteria or blue-green algae (BGA) is often caused by a combination of deteriorating plants, excess organic waste at substrate level and poor flow or poor oxygen levels. Read on more to find out what causes cyanobacteria in aquarium and how to get rid of BGA in planted tank.

Read moreabout How to control cyanobacteria (Blue-green algae) in an aquarium

How to get rid of staghorn algae

How to get rid of staghorn algae

Staghorn algae appear as thick grey hairs on the edges of leaf margins. They can be hard to remove by hand. They differ from BBA (Black brush algae) in that BBA has a finer texture and usually darker color.

Read moreabout How to get rid of staghorn algae

How to get rid of cladophora algae

How to get rid of cladophora algae

Having problems with tough, green filamentous threads-like algae in your planted tank? You are having cladophora algae. Cladophora algae is a higher level algae which is undeterred by healthy plant mass. Read how to remove cladophora algae in your planted tank.

Read moreabout How to get rid of cladophora algae