The Ultimate Galaxy Pack is our newest live feeding system designed to provide the most balanced nutritional profile. AlgaeBarn has put
Read More about Galaxy Pods in the Ultimate Galaxy Pack
Nuisance Algae Control
Without microalgae–phytoplankton, most specifically–our planet could not ecologically function as we know it. Macroalgae too (e.g. kelps) play an enormous role in supporting fisheries, maintaining coastal water quality, etc.
That all being said, there are some bad types of algae. Of course, talk of any organism in Nature as being “bad” requires some sort of clear, objective qualification. One qualifier here could certainly be its negative effect on biodiversity–in cases of uncontrolled population growth. Given that a single turf- or film-forming alga can blanket coral reefs to the exclusion of potentially thousands of other species, they are quite bad indeed.
When we consider that they easily can (and often do) wreak the very same sort of havoc on marine aquaria, the term “nuisance algae” might seem a huge understatement. Let’s face it, these algae are for the majority of aquarists THE single most frustrating aspect of keeping a reef tank. Worst part of this is, you cannot expect to buy any one chemical or piece of equipment and hope to eliminate the problem forever. Rather, you must continuously maintain control over it. You might even have to change your strategy as new types emerge.
In coral reefs (and healthy reef aquaria), these nuisance types of algae are kept in check simply by starvation, as these environments are typically quite oligotrophic (i.e. nutrient-poor). That is, even though plenty of light and carbon dioxide may be available, poor availability of fertilizer (mainly nitrate and phosphate) severely limits their productivity. What little does grow is quickly consumed by herbivores.
In this section, you will learn how to suppress turf- and film-forming algae growth via competing phytoplankton and macroalgae, as well as by removal via clean-up crew animals.
34 Posts
What is the Best Macroalgae for a Reef Tank?
Marine aquarists and reef keepers are using macroalgae in their tanks as a source of natural filtration more frequently. Many reef
Read More about What is the Best Macroalgae for a Reef Tank?
Should I Add Snails to My Refugium?
If you guessed that a refugium is a wordplay on refuge and aquarium, you guessed right! A refugium is simply a tank for plant and
Read More about Should I Add Snails to My Refugium?
Everything You Need to Know About OceanMagik
Whether you're a regular here at AlgaeBarn or a newcomer, we always get tons of questions about live phyto. So, we thought, there’s no
Read More about Everything You Need to Know About OceanMagik
Is Sea Lettuce a Good Macroalgae for the Refugium?
If you are looking for a way to control nutrient levels in the reef tank, macroalgae is a great way to do it! You may have heard about
Read More about Is Sea Lettuce a Good Macroalgae for the Refugium?
How Long Does Live Phytoplankton Last?
Phytoplankton is a crucial part of the ocean’s food web. So, it only makes sense that phyto should also be a crucial part of our
Read More about How Long Does Live Phytoplankton Last?
What Light is Good for a Refugium?
Back in the early days of the hobby, there were not many choices when it came to lighting. The basic options for light fixtures were
Read More about What Light is Good for a Refugium?
How Often Should I Add Copepods to the Reef Tank?
A reef tank is a complex system with a lot of different components. All these moving parts must be fully functioning for the ecosystem
Read More about How Often Should I Add Copepods to the Reef Tank?
How Fast Does Macroalgae Grow?
A good portion of hobbyists will grow macroalgae in their reef tank systems. It has even become more common to see planted display
Read More about How Fast Does Macroalgae Grow?
Tuxedo Urchins for Hair Algae Control
Hair algae is not just one of the common forms of nuisance algae, it is also among the most difficult to eradicate. Indeed, despite the
Read More about Tuxedo Urchins for Hair Algae Control
Upgrading to the ULTIMATE Refugium Starter Pack
You might be setting up a brand-new reef tank. Maybe you’re doing some upgrades to an existing aquarium. Either way, you’ll have a lot
Read More about Upgrading to the ULTIMATE Refugium Starter Pack
Hard to Kill: Using Cerith Snails and Siphonaria Limpets
Nuisance algae is almost certain to emerge—at least to some extent—in all reef aquarium systems. Of course, the maintenance of good
Read More about Hard to Kill: Using Cerith Snails and Siphonaria Limpets
The Pincushion Sea Urchin: A Beginner’s Best
Seldom are sea urchins described as “difficult” or “sensitive” aquarium animals. Yet, they can be quite touchy. Seemingly small insults
Read More about The Pincushion Sea Urchin: A Beginner’s Best
What Do I Need for a Saltwater Fish Tank?
Whether scouting for your first aquarium, or “graduating” from a freshwater aquarium, there is something about a saltwater aquarium
Read More about What Do I Need for a Saltwater Fish Tank?
5 Overlooked Algae-Eaters
When it comes to your clean-up crew in your saltwater aquarium, you usually will think of snails, crabs and starfish. However, there
Read More about 5 Overlooked Algae-Eaters
Identifying Saltwater Algaes
Hundreds or even thousands of species of microalgae and photosynthetic bacteria may appear in your aquarium. Before treating any type
Read More about Identifying Saltwater Algaes
When to Choose Poseidon’s Feast
Back in “the day,” to acquire a seed culture of copepods, aquarists would typically have to resort to scooping a couple cups of gravel
Read More about When to Choose Poseidon’s Feast
Corals in a Box of Water: Creating a Natural Reef Tank
We’ve come a long, long way in advancing natural marine aquarium keeping. Those of us who started out in the 80’s with barren
Read More about Corals in a Box of Water: Creating a Natural Reef Tank
Should I Use a UV Sterilizer?
The two most hated things for a saltwater aquarium keeper are fish diseases and “bad” algae. Some hobbyists make an attempt to go all
Read More about Should I Use a UV Sterilizer?
Why EcoPods are the Best Live Copepod Product Ever
Earth is a planet of pods. Wherever there is water, there are amphipods, isopods, branchiopods, and so on. Pods are an integral part of
Read More about Why EcoPods are the Best Live Copepod Product Ever