Common Reef Aquarium Algae and How to Remove Them

Algae can be a point of frustration for any aquarium hobbyist. While many of these varieties are not harmful to your aquarium, they can detract from the beautiful environment you are attempting to create. This article will discuss five common reef aquarium algae and how to eradicate them.

Green Hair Algae

Hair algae can be a real headache in any aquarium and is often a direct result of high phosphate levels. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to remove from the aquarium once it is allowed to grow. The best practice for treating this algae is to manually remove it from the tank as soon as you notice it. Many clean-up crew members will also peck at hair algae, including hermit crabs, urchins, and a variety of snails. Zebrasoma Tangs and Algae Blennies have also been known to make a meal of it. In addition to removing the algae in the tank, addressing the tank’s elevated phosphate and nitrate levels is critical to prevent hair algae from returning. Some of the best ways to reduce your nitrate and phosphate levels include reducing the amount of food you are feeding, running a media reactor with GFO or Carbon, or increasing the frequency of your water changes. 

Bubble Algae

Bubble algae is another widespread variety of algae that can cause significant headaches. Like with green hair algae, it is best to remove it manually before it establishes itself in the aquarium. Generally, bubble algae occur in already-established aquariums. Manual removal of this algae is seen as the best way to treat it, but some Emerald Crabs will take to eating it. When removing the bubble algae, we recommend not popping the bubbles as this will release spores that will eventually multiply the algae population. Like with hair algae, some of the best ways to reduce nutrient levels are to perform larger water changes, reduce feeding frequency, and run a media reactor.

Diatom Algae

Diatoms are one of the most common groups of algae and often plague newly established aquariums. Diatoms usually reveal themselves as an ugly brown slime that can quickly grow over your rockwork. Luckily, in new aquariums, Diatoms are pretty simple to deal with. By performing consistent water changes, the Diatoms should eventually die off as your aquarium settles in. Running some Simplicity GFO (granular-ferric oxide) in a media reactor can help reduce your phosphate levels and accelerate the process of Diatom removal. Another option to expedite the removal is to run a UV sterilizer.

Dinoflagellates

Dino’s are not algae. They are a collection of marine plankton that usually materializes as a brown slime with air bubbles growing like a mat over your sandbed. Like many other algae, Dinoflagellates typically appear due to excess nutrients within your aquarium water. It’s crucial to consistently test Nitrate and Phosphate levels to keep them in check and prevent Dino’s from taking over your tank. Once again, manual removal during water changes is one of the best ways to rid yourself of Dino’s. Running a UV sterilizer is another excellent way to treat and prevent Dino’s from coming back.

Cyano

Like Dinoflagellates, Cyano is not an algae but a photosynthetic bacteria that behaves similarly to most algae. Cyanobacteria, also often called red slime, is one of the more challenging pests to remove from your aquarium. Cyano typically begins to appear in areas of low flow and will multiply from there. It also commonly plagues recently set-up aquariums with pH and Alkalinity levels that fluctuate significantly. Unfortunately, there are no natural treatments for Cyano. Chemical treatments such as Boyd’s Chemi-Clean and Dr. Tim’s Cyanobacteria Treatment are generally the top recommendations for those struggling to rid their aquariums of this invasive bacteria.

Fighting algae outbreaks can be a constant battle, but it’s essential to recognize that they are an inevitable part of keeping aquariums. Sometimes, it is best to continue practicing consistent husbandry and let your system fight off an outbreak on its own. If you’re on the hunt for carbon or GFO to help battle aquarium algae, make sure to explore the Simplicity Filter Media offerings.