Understanding Algae In the Aquarium

Black Beard Algae (BBA)

Black Beard Algae (BBA) or brush algae typically manifests as bushy, tuft-like growths that cling tenaciously to plant leaves, decorations, and tank equipment. Its hardy nature makes it a persistent issue on slow growing plants such as Anubias and Bucephalandra as well as hardscape.

What Causes Black Beard Algae?

There are three key factors that cause Black Beard Algae:

1. Flow: BBA is commonly seen in areas of high flow. For example it is commonly seen on the filter outlet or on plants/hardscape that receive high levels of flow.
2. Inconsistent CO2 Levels: Fluctuating CO2 levels often causes BBA. This is common when a CO2 cylinder runs out, resulting in a sudden absence in CO2. It may also be caused by unreliable DIY, yeast/sugar based CO2 systems that generate varying levels of CO2.
3. Organic build-up: An aquarium that is not frequently cleaned or has a build-up of waste in the substrate may  trigger BBA.

Check out this great post by AquaLabs for Controlling BBA!

Green Dust Algae (GDA)

Green Dust Algae, also known as GDA, is a particularly problematic algae for aquarium enthusiasts. Although it is straightforward to remove, it will rapidly reappear if removed incorrectly.

It is most commonly seen on aquarium glass but can extend to plants and hardscape in severe cases. It does not pose any threat to fish, shrimp or snails, but is terribly unsightly – presenting as a thin green film across the glass.

What Causes Green Dust Algae?

Green dust algae is primarily caused by:

• New tank syndrome
• High light
• High nitrate levels
• Excess organics

Check out this great post by AquaLabs for Controlling Green Dust Algae.

Diatoms/Brown Algae

Diatoms are typically brown in colour and are usually found in new, unestablished aquariums. They can multiply incredibly fast, making it difficult to keep the aquarium clean.

What Causes Diatom Algae?

The most common causes of diatoms are:

Biologically Immature or Biologically Damaged tanks: Diatoms are most common in new tanks that are not properly cycled yet. Even if the tank is cycled and the fish are live and well, sufficient good bacteria may not have been colonised yet.

They may also appear when well-established tanks get a deep clean. If filter media is cleaned under tap water, this can kill beneficial bacteria and crash the aquariums cycle. In doing so, diatoms may appear.

Check out this great post by AquaLabs for Controlling Diatoms/Brown Algae.

Green Spot Algae

Green spot algae, or GSA, is a common problem that many aquarium enthusiasts face. It is a type of algae that can grow on aquarium glass, decorations and slow-growing plants.  In this article, we will discuss what causes green spot algae, how to get rid of it, how to prevent it and what eats it.

What Causes Green Spot Algae?

Green spot algae is primarily caused by:

• Low phosphate and/or
• Low CO2 levels

It is important to note that most aquasoils will absorb very large amounts of phosphate. This often leads to GSA algae on slow-growing plants such as Bucephalandra and Anubias. This is common in the early stages of an aquascape where aquasoil is most capable of absorbing phosphate. Overtime, phosphate absorbtion slows.

Check out this great post by AquaLabs for Controlling Green Spot Algae!