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1-Bacopasalzmannii. 2-Bacopacolorata. 3-Ludwigiaarcuata. 4-Ludwigia sp. Red. 5-Rotala ramosiorFlorida (left corner). 6-Alternantherareineckii 'mini'. 7-Hygrophila sp.chai (pink leaves). 8-Lobeliacardinalis. 9-Rotalamacrandra mini type IV (midground).
Algae is so prevalent in the aquatic hobby that many aquarists have given up trying to eradicate it and have just accepted it as part of normal tank life. We assure you it is perfectly achievable to have enduring planted aquariums free from visible algae.
In an aquarium, plants are the equivalent of large trees in the jungle. With stems and roots they are better equipped than algae to compete for light and nutrients. Algae is at a disadvantage in such a position and has evolved to bloom opportunistically only when it detects that a gap has opened up in the system.
Carbohydrates and ammonia emitted from decaying plant leaves and other forms of organic waste trigger algae spores to bloom. This is the direct reason why algae preferentially attaches to plants that are not growing well. Strong light acts an accelerator to such conditions.
Consequently, having good filtration and a biologically matured tank where organic waste material and ammonia is broken down quickly reduces trigger factors.
By understanding the opportunistic nature of algae, and the primary trigger (decaying matter and unhealthy leaves), we can immediately take 4 simple but powerful steps to keep algae at bay. Read the detailed guide below.
With the 2Hr Way, it is possible to have very strong lighting (>200umols of PAR) and a tank that remains algae free.
