Tropical Fish Tanks - How To Deal With Aquarium Algae

Algae grow easily in the aquarium tanks, especially on the walls. You can remove them by periodically scraping the sides of the tank. Don’t forget to also scrub the rocks. Bleach the rocks if the algae insist to stick to the rock. Be careful about bleaching because it can be toxic for fish.

If you also notice algae on the sand or on the plastic plants, you can remove them also but it will take some energy. You will need to wash the gravel in a lot of water and then rinse it.

But try to reduce the cause and not the symptom. Algae grow in excess if they have too much light. Reduce the light level first and use more natural light rather than the artificial one.

On the market, in pet shops, there are also some algae treatments, like the use of algaecide, which will help you solve the problem. But don’t abuse of this treatment. It can harm the fish and even kill them! Don’t expect the problem to disappear over night if you use this treatment.

You will never believe that adding natural aquatic plants control the algae growth. It is quite effective. For example, luxuriant plants grow and they filter out the light. Without a lot of light, the algae are kept in control. Plants also absorb chemicals from the water like nitrates.
Breeders say a tank should have around 50 small plants per square root of space.

Now you know what to do in order to take care of your tank and have healthy and beautiful fish. Other articles will follow with more advice on how to deal with algae.

Decorating Your New Aquarium

Tropical Fish Tank Decor—-Creating Homes for Your Tropical Freshwater Fish

Now that you have selected your tank, it is time to decorate it!   Tropical fish tank decorations are not only beautiful to look at they also have an important purpose. They provide fishes with homes—- hiding places and natural borders resembling their natural habitat. There are many different types of decorations, for instance Cave dwelling fishes love aquarium decorations that structure like caves, holes and crevices. Whereas Fishes that live in dense vegetation prefer plants and other types of tiny hiding places. Decorations are crucial for a happy and healthy aquarium they also keep fishes from getting bored.

Plants:

Plants are a beautiful addition to your tropical fish tank.  Tropical fish love aquatic plants as they are part of their natural habitats.  They come in all varieties, costing anywhere from a few bucks to hundreds. Plants are very useful as well; they bind carbon dioxide and oxygenate the water. They also use organic waste products as nutrition and remove potentially harmful compounds from the water. Plants can also be used to keep a check on the water quality of an aquarium; the plant will start dying before the fish if the water suddenly becomes toxic.

Wood, Rock and Coral:

Stones and rocks make excellent decorations. One caution; you should never use rocks that affect your water’s pH levels or stones that might contain toxins. Fake rocks that resemble real rocks are available, but are more costly. Tropical fish like rocks and driftwood as they create caves similar to that of their national habitat.  While coral are certainly beautiful, they can be dangerous to fresh water fish tank.

Gravel or sand:

The most popular addition to a fish tank, both come in a variety of colors and are frequently layered for a multi-colored effect.

Glass marbles, Ceramics:

Glass marbles and ceramics are attractive additions to a tropical fish tank.  But beware, ceramics tend to grow algae that might be hard to clean. Plastics are an inexpensive addition to your fish tank.  You will recognize them as the treasure chests, skulls, divers, pirates, plants and ships.

Have fun decorating your tropical fish tank.  You are creating an environment that both you AND your fish will enjoy!