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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

Aquariums like this are very tuned for Coral Growth

Correcting Nutrient Instability

Oh, the paradox of algae. They have ruined many tanks--even caused some frustrated aquarists to leave the hobby forever. Yet, our tanks
Read More about Correcting Nutrient Instability

Someone Holding a Cerith Snail

The Cerith Snail: A “Must-Have” Cleaner

Most aquarists are already aware that snails eat algae. To be most correct, the majority of snail species are algivores. To be sure,
Read More about The Cerith Snail: A “Must-Have” Cleaner

Urchins are a wild animal to keep!

Sea Urchins in the Reef Aquarium

My first sight of a real, live sea urchin was in an aquarium (a friend’s) rather than in the sea. This was in my youth (i.e. quite a
Read More about Sea Urchins in the Reef Aquarium

Chaeto in the wild

Chaeto for Major Tank Cleaning

Whether from a lack of experience, or an abundance of neglect, some aquarists allow their reef tanks to reach a state of utter
Read More about Chaeto for Major Tank Cleaning

Understanding the Nitrogen Cycle

We are finally starting to see a surge of interest in the nitrogen cycle &  the “aquarium microbiome.” That is a very, very good
Read More about Understanding the Nitrogen Cycle

The Whole Package: Integrating AlgaeBarn’s Kits & Combos

AlgaeBarn is hardly the only aquarium hobby-centered business to produce phytoplankton and macroalgae. But we like to think that we’re
Read More about The Whole Package: Integrating AlgaeBarn’s Kits & Combos

hair algae can be real trouble for marine aquariums.

How to Control Hair Algae

Hair Algae Happens Algae Happens. Even the types that we don’t want in our aquaria--and actively try to eradicate (like hair
Read More about How to Control Hair Algae

a group of bubble algae that has been removed from a tank

Bubble Algae: How Bad Is It?

Every reef tank has some form of hardscape--a reef base. Unless they are obtained dry, these materials almost always have some form of
Read More about Bubble Algae: How Bad Is It?

Don't Let your Tank Turn into this!

4 Pitfalls for the Beginning Reef Aquarist (And Some Experienced Ones, Too)

If you’re reading this, you probably love marinelife. And if you don’t already have an aquarium (or two), you’re itching to fix that
Read More about 4 Pitfalls for the Beginning Reef Aquarist (And Some Experienced Ones, Too)

Unique Algae Eaters for your Aquarium

Even though battling algae is best done by finding and solving the underlying nutrient or lighting issue, it certainly doesn’t hurt to
Read More about Unique Algae Eaters for your Aquarium

Cyanobacteria up close

Dealing with Cyanobacteria

In my time working at a local fish store, I have come to realize that hobbyists that have been keeping saltwater tanks for years often
Read More about Dealing with Cyanobacteria

Beautiful Zoanthid Polyps Growing side by side with algae

Using Phytoplankton to Control Bad Algae

Despite their lush appearance, natural coral reefs are extremely nutrient-poor environments. Not likely to be able to grow too much bad
Read More about Using Phytoplankton to Control Bad Algae

The intricately patterned trochus snail

Utilizing the Trochus Snail (Trochus spp.)

Algae, of course, is not an inherently bad thing; without it, the natural world could not exist as we know it. However, there are many
Read More about Utilizing the Trochus Snail (Trochus spp.)

Dinoflagellate ceratium longpipe

Eliminating Nuisance Dinoflagellates with Ocean Magik Live Phytoplankton

Eliminating harmful and ugly dinoflagellates remains one of the most common—and challenging—tasks for the marine aquarist. Not only can
Read More about Eliminating Nuisance Dinoflagellates with Ocean Magik Live Phytoplankton

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