Why does green appear on the walls of the aquarium?

Aquarium is a great opportunity to create a living oasis in the house, and is also an original detail in the interior of a modern home. A beautiful aquarium inhabited by rare species of fish and plants, well-groomed and harmonious, is the pride of a real aquarist. But often the joy is overshadowed by the appearance of a green coating on the walls and surfaces of the aquarium. Before you start the fight with an unwanted guest, you need to find out why greens appear on the walls of the aquarium? In this article we will tell you how to get rid of the appearance of green plaque on the walls of the aquarium, what are the reasons for its occurrence and how this trouble can be avoided.

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The reasons for the “wrong” greenery in the aquarium

The main reason for this phenomenon is ecosystem disturbance.

Important! The appearance of the xenococcus algae, which belongs to the lowest order organics - and it is precisely this that causes the uncontrolled spread of green plaque - is a well-known problem for aquarists, regardless of their experience.

There may be several reasons for the appearance of plaque, but each has its own methods of what to do if greens appear on the walls of the aquarium:

• Xenococcus multiplies intensively from exposure to excess light, so strong illumination can become the reason for its excessive activity. To prevent / correct the situation - do not place the aquarium directly in direct sunlight.
• Lack of oxygen in water - use modern oxygen systems
• Incorrect temperature conditions. It is necessary to strictly monitor the temperature of the water using a thermometer and preventing overheating. It is harmful for plants and for the vital activity of fish
• An excess of organic matter in the water, which is a consequence of the lack of care for the aquarium or excessive feed.

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How to remove plaque?

Unfortunately, plaque alone cannot disappear. The question arises: how to remove greens from the aquarium? We are patient and take the following steps:

1. Without draining the old water, we clean the walls with a scraper, in extreme cases, if there is no special brush - a plastic ruler. We especially clean the ingrained places with a blade.

Important! Do not use kitchen sponges or sponges - they may contain small doses of detergents, and this can seriously harm all inhabitants of the aquarium.

2. Next, pump out the old water.
3. We clean gravel, remove the remnants of feed, fish waste products.
4. We clean all the elements of decor and decoration, as they contain spores of algae. For cleaning, you can use a new toothbrush, or an aquarium scraper.

Important! We do not use an old brush because of the danger of pathogenic microflora getting into the aquarium.

5. Large stones can be boiled or removed in a dark place for a couple of weeks - this will help kill spores.
6. Pour fresh prepared water - standing, suitable temperature. We leave it to stand for several hours until all the particles of soil that have risen settle and the water brightens.

Important! In conclusion, we change the lamps in the aquarium to less powerful ones, at least temporarily - to compare the result.

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Then we take the following measures and observe the aquarium:

1. Reduce daylight hours to 7 hours in winter and 10 hours in summer.
2. Do not throw excess food.On average, fish should eat their portion in fifteen to twenty minutes. If you manage to eat, then - the portion is suitable.

Important! Once a week we eat fish “on a diet” - we don’t feed at all. They easily tolerate such a hunger strike, in addition, it contributes to their recovery.

3. We use a good water filtration system.

Important! If all these actions do not help and the situation becomes threatening for all the inhabitants, then it is necessary to use special chemicals - you can find them in any pet store. These products are safe for aquarium fish and plants, but the greens on the walls of the aquarium no longer appear.

The product is put to the bottom, within six weeks it releases active substances. After the expiration of the pill is removed, as it loses its activity.

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Preventive measures

Here are some more tips on green plaque on the walls:

• regularly clean the aquarium;
• increase the number of plants - they protect the water well from the propagation of green algae, clean the aquarium ecosystem;
• position the soil correctly - make sure that there is a bias towards the front wall.

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Varieties of Popular Algae

Algae in the aquarium is everywhere and always. They get there with new fish, soil, food, with plants that you periodically change. Some are perfectly acceptable, while others are like “vultures,” aggressors to be disposed of.

Important! Each type of algae requires its own type of struggle. Often, creating the conditions for the struggle with some, we contribute to the reproduction of others.

Pest algae

What other varieties of unwanted algae can you encounter?

• Kladofora. Algae are like threads. Often appear in aquariums with stagnant or poorly circulating water. You can get rid of by mechanically cleaning the aquarium, spores are killed by the addition of “Algo shock” (be sure to read the instructions of the drug).
• Rhizoclonium - usually appears due to an incorrectly established nitrogen cycle and an increase in ammonia. Align the nitrogen cycle and the algae themselves will disappear from the aquarium. Every week, replace ½ of the water.
• Spirogyra. You can get rid of it only with the help of frequent mechanical cleaning of the aquarium and the introduction of the drug “Algo shock”. Use 1 tablet in 25 liters of water.
• Edogonium - looks like a green fluff covering all horizontal surfaces. It is eliminated by introducing phosphates and nitrates into the soil. It is their deficiency that causes the growth of edogonium. Usually, a week is enough to recover.

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Algae and wildlife for a good ecosystem

To prevent the reappearance of algae, place algae eaters in the aquarium - shrimps and fish that feed on algae, such as:

• Pecilia
• catfish;
• molinesia.

Higher fast-growing plants, for example, Water hyacinth, can help in the fight against lower algae. It is very useful for aquariums, as it extracts nitrogen in its compounds from water, as well as the waste products of fish. It is an excellent filter of water from suspended particles.

Important! You need to know that this plant does not tolerate drafts and dry air.

Other plants:

• hornwort;
• pinnacle;
• limnobium shoots.

Important! Rapidly developing and swimming in the water column, these plants absorb excess light and inhibit the development of lower algae.

Experienced aquarists advise putting old, knotty willow branches into the water. After the appearance of water roots on them, the plant begins to absorb those substances that use green algae, thereby leading to their death. This method is harmless to fish, but can negatively affect higher plants.

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Stock footage

Finally, we recommend that you remember that you should not be too zealous for changing the water, since the old aquarium is better than fresh water. Also, do not forget about the balance of fish and plants. Do not overload the aquarium, turning it into a "hostel".Let it be a beautiful and cozy “single-family house”.