Algae Questions

[jonathan11]

This question may seem a bit odd, but what conditions would specifically bring on an attack of hair algae or blue/green algae? I've felt that excess dead (matter) leaves or fish waste might be the culprits. Is this true? Would a lack of some nutrient (or an overbundance of one), a lack of sufficient light, or even low CO2 be contributing factors? Another thought- would bga be natures way of disposing of dead matter- using bacteria (bga) to accomplish this task?

Walter

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: Algae Questions

OM, organic matter, is certainly good in excess for problems, so is too little.
New tanks don't have enough, over time, older tanks build up.

Hair algae= low CO2, lack of routine maintenance, infection.
BGA=> low NO3, lack of cleaning filters etc

BGA is simply using nutrtients when things go sour for other organisms.

See "niche".

Regards,
Tom Barr