Rinse or replace mechanical filter media and change activated carbon or other chemical media every 4 to 6 weeks. Replace hang-on filter cartridges monthly, and service canister filters regularly. (Avoid vacuuming gravel if you have a newly set up aquarium or a planted tank that uses substrate fertilizers.) Make sure replacement water is free of nitrate and phosphate. Siphon out uneaten food and other organic material and lightly vacuum the gravel. 10% weekly or 25% bi-weekly is a good place to start. Regular water changes are essential to maintaining a healthy aquarium and preventing algae outbreaks. Planted aquariums need 8 to 12 hours of light daily, while non-planted aquariums can get by on 6 hours or less. Install a timer to control the number of hours the light is on and provide a consistent day/night cycle. If you don't have live plants, you don't need a super-powerful light. If your aquarium doesn't receive direct light but is in a bright room, keep the tank light off during the day.Ĭhoose a light suitable for the size and water depth of your aquarium. If you can't avoid doing so, install background material or draw the shades during the daytime to eliminate as much sunlight from hitting your tank as possible. How To Prevent Green Water Outbreaks Proper LightingĪvoid placing your aquarium in a sunny window. Since we can't see nutrients, we have no idea how bad conditions are until something bad happens, like our fish getting sick or an algae bloom occurring. Over time this creates an ideal environment for algae to grow. Lack of water changes and proper maintenance causes a gradual deterioration of water quality. Performing water changes with nutrient-laden tap water will have the same effect. Overfeeding and/or having too many fish for your tank size or filter capacity also lead to a build-up of nutrients. For most algae that means nitrate and phosphate, which typically come from fish food and fish waste, but they can be in tap water as well. Too much light can come from placing your aquarium in a sunny window, leaving the tank light on too long, or using a light that is too strong for the aquarium. However, excessive light in the presence of a source of nutrients (we discuss this below) can send algae into hyperdrive. What Causes Green Water Outbreaks? Excessive LightĪlgae are plants, and plants love light. But for most aquarists these algae are something to be discouraged or eliminated. Many saltwater reef enthusiasts grow or purchase phytoplankton cultures specifically to feed to their corals, and freshwater breeders cultivate phytoplankton called infusoria to feed the tiny fry of certain species. Interestingly, some phytoplankton are beneficial. They're typically not harmful to your fish and other aquarium critters, or you, for that matter, but they are unsightly and severe cases can block light to plants. Unlike other algae species that grow on the glass or objects in the aquarium, green water algae float about the tank and multiply by the billions in a short period of time, in what's known as a "bloom". "Green Water" outbreaks are caused by a sudden population explosion of suspended algae known as phytoplankton. This time with a vengeance! What's going on and how do you fix it? Things improve for a day or two, but then it's back. You frantically do a big water change and put a new cartridge in your filter. PEA SOUP!! The water is electric green and you can barely see into the tank. Has this ever happened to you? Your aquarium is running smoothly, the water is crystal clear, the fish are swimming happily about, everything is great! Suddenly, out of nowhere, you wake up one morning to find your beautiful showpiece has turned to.
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