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Five Types of Algae

Many view algae as pollutants. But they are a natural part of the earth's water system. Problems occur, not because algae are present but when aquariums are out of balance. In a properly controlled environment, algae help keep the water in the tank clean. It is only when the water system is out of balance that algae become a problem.

Staghorn Algae
- Slimy to the touch, this type of alga is a shade of blue mixed with green and gray. It is recognizable by its long, thick strands that attach to objects. The strands may branch off once or twice. Shaghorn algae usually grow in areas with a lot of light and little water movement. You can remove it from the tank by hand, pulling off the strands or by removing the leaf to which it is attached.
Black Brush Algae
- Also called beard algae, this type of alga produces short strands which are usually only 1/2 inch in length. It can grow very thick, looking like a black carpet. When less thick, it looks like small patches of black hair. It typically forms on plants that grow slowly, although it can also grow in gravel. It is very difficult to get rid of this type of alga because you cannot removed it by hand, though you can remove the leaf containing the algae. Siamensis is the only known fish that eats black brush algae.
Green Spot Algae
- As the name implies, this type of alga produces green spots on glass or leaves. Rarely does it get out of hand or produce any serious environment problems for the tank. The algae usually just create aesthetic problems, making the water murky and green. Green spot algae usually form on slow-growing plants. You can remove them by scraping or scrubbing the glass.
Green Water Algae
- This is a single-cell alga that floats within the water. It is recognizable by the cloud-green color it turns the water, making tanks look very dirty and unappealing. All it needs to grow are food and sunlight. Remove it with a diatom filter. You can avoid the algae by controlling the nutrients in the water so it does not have anything on which to feed.
Green Threat Algae
- This type of alga is also called hair algae because it grows long, thin threads than can measure up to 8 inches long. It grows very quickly and is able can take over a water tank within two or three. Although removable by hand, it will return unless you remove conditions favorable to its growth, such as reducing light and the nutrients on which it feeds.

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