It’s Not That Easy Being Green

As you’ll know by now if you follow our blogs on all things aquarium maintenance, visible light (commonly referred to as white light) is divided into seven colours, and – depending on which bulbs and aquarium lighting fixtures you choose – you can largely control the colour and type of light that  your plants receive. Naturally, maintaining a vibrant aquarium is a precarious balancing act, and changes in the appearance of your plants and water will quickly tell you if something isn’t right.

One of these such issues is the excessive or uncontrollable growth of nuisance algae, a prevalent problem that has plagued many an amateur aquarist. Algae can quickly grow up the sides of your aquarium, darken or cloud the tank water, and even prevent other organisms from getting the nutrients they require; moreover, it can be caused by a large variety of factors, meaning that finding a suitable solution can take time. An excess of green light within your aquarium is one of the most common causes of nuisance algae development, and can quickly lead to a murky, visually unappealing tank.

Green with… Algae?

When you notice the undue presence of algae in your tank, it’s important to check your aquarium lighting systems straight away. If you already have green lights in place, it could be time to switch the bulbs you’re using. Alternatively, be sure to take into account what natural light your tank is subject to – it could be the case that moving the aquarium, or even fully covering it for a few days, could resolve the issue.