Blue-green algae in the aquarium

Blue-green algae in the aquarium is easy to recognize. Planting, hardscape and soil are covered under a blue-green blanket. Usually this blanket looks slimy, but can also appear dusty. Not a pleasant sight in any case! Blue-green algae are actually not algae, but bacteria. More specifically, they are Cyanobacteria. This includes about 200 species that can live in water and of which a number are almost always present in water. With an extreme increase in these blue-green algae, we can observe them as clumped plaques. Not only do they feel slippery and dirty, they also smell very strong. A musty smell resembling that of rotten eggs or an "earth air".

We often see blue-green algae developing along the windows and can develop further quickly. Fortunately, the alga does not attach itself to a substrate and is therefore often quite easy to remove.

The causes of blue-green algae

Blue-green algae in the aquarium is often caused by an excess of waste products in the water, often in combination with a low oxygen content. Annoying and confrontational perhaps, but usually it is a sign that the aquarium needs better maintenance. Not enough water changes, overcrowding, overfeeding, clogged filter, poor water circulation, dead animals or dead plants are identifiable causes. In addition, poor lighting with the wrong spectrum, direct sunlight or too strong lighting can also be a cause. When blue-green algae arise several times in one place in the aquarium, there is a good chance that the water circulation there is insufficient. Direct sunlight in these places can also be a cause or a contaminated soil. Blue-green algae love phosphates (phosphorus) and nitrogen compounds. A high phosphate content, whether or not in combination with a low oxygen content or a low nitrate content, can promote a blue-green algae explosion.


blue-green algae in aquarium	blue-green algae in aquarium	blue-green algae in aquarium

Fight blue-green algae

Blue-green algae is perhaps the easiest algae to get rid of. Placards with algae are often loose and can be easily siphoned off. Where the cause often lies in a substandard maintenance routine, the solution lies in intensifying this. Change water more regularly and siphon off dirt residues from the bottom. Check if the fish are not being overfed or if excess food is getting into the bottom. Optimize the water circulation and avoid oxygen-poor zones. Clean the filter and do this regularly in the fight against algae. Make sure the plants get enough nutrients. In particular, the nitrate content can be on the low side in relation to the Redfield Ratio.

The problem with algae is that an adjustment takes some time before results are visible. Patience is therefore indispensable, because sometimes it seems a hopeless situation. By being on top of the approach, the algae will eventually disappear. In the meantime, the balance in the aquarium will slowly be restored.

Treat blue-green algae with EasyCarbo or hydrogen peroxide

Those who have less patience can use a "spot treatment" with EasyCarbo or hydrogen peroxide 3%. For the hydrogen peroxide treatment, divide the aquarium volume by 30 and multiply by 5. That is the number of milliliters for a one-time treatment. For example for a 120 liter aquarium: 120/30*5=20ml. After such a treatment, small oxygen bubbles will immediately appear. Blue-green algae cannot cope well with the high concentration of oxygen and will die.

Treating blue-green algae with a blackout

If you have the feeling that everything has already been tried, you can still do a "blackout". This can be done by first removing as much algae as possible. Then a large water change of 50%. Then add nitrate (NO3) to the water and place an air stone. Then make the aquarium completely light-tight with, for example, cover with a garbage bag and leave the aquarium without light for 3 days. After the 3 days a large water change, lighting on, air stone out, possible CO2 back on, cleaning the filter and making sure the plants start growing again.

Are blue-green algae dangerous?

A blue-green algae explosion leads to a shortage of oxygen. This makes it difficult for other organisms. In the summer, reports about dangerous bathing water caused by blue-green algae are regularly in the news. The increased temperature of the water, which in ponds, pools and pools has less flow than in canals and rivers, ensures that there is less oxygen in the water. Algae block the light, but also disrupt the gas exchange in the water layers between the soil and the atmosphere. When organic materials die, bacteria will also consume much more oxygen. Plants covered in algae will produce less oxygen. This further disrupts the balance in a downward spiral. In addition, there are blue-green algae that produce toxins that can be very harmful to humans and animals. Something you should not want in an aquarium, but also a reason not to swim in a pool where a blue-green algae explosion is present.

Do you have pictures of thread algae that we can use on this page? Send them in. You will then receive a voucher worth € 5 per published photo.

Do you need additional information, comments on this article or personal support to tackle the algae problem? Then contact us.

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Posted in: Algae

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Blue-green algae in the aquarium

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Blue-green algae in the aquarium

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Fight blue-green algae

Treat blue-green algae with EasyCarbo or hydrogen peroxide

Treating blue-green algae with a blackout

Are blue-green algae dangerous?

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