Know When Some Algae Is OK

[125gJoe]

Quoted:

Take a moment to sit back and look at your planted aquarium. Does it look natural? Is there a hint of green covering driftwood or rocks which makes the structures blend in with the underwater garden? Algae helps "age" your aquarium, making it look like the shoreline or riverbed you first envisioned for your setup. If it's not covering your glass or choking out the leaves of your plants, there's little reason to panic. No one "wins" the battle against algae. Success is finding a natural balance in your closed ecosystem.

(From the "sticky" post at the top - 10 Algea Busting Tips)

I thought it was good to post a reminder that some algae is expected/wanted... :)

[jujubee]

why exactly is algea wanted?

[sguthrie]

I agree. I actually like the small tufts of green that are stuck to my driftwood. Algae exists in the wild, so why not? This is just my opinion, though. I can see how some (a lot) of people could view the presence of algae as an imperfection.

The crazy amounts of BGA I had weren't too cool, at least I think it was BGA. It was a pretty color, but it was covering everything. The bubbles underneath it was pretty, too. Even still, I didn't want it there, and luckily it went away after some weeks of attention.

Sam

[RTR]

Anyone who tells you that they have a totally algae-free planted tank is either kidding themselves, or, well, mistaken.

[Booswalia]

I love the look of algae on wood and rocks etc. Unfortunately it takes over the plants when you allow it to free-grow.

Soooooo, it has to go. :eek: