Any home can benefit from having an aquarium, but maintaining an algae-free environment can be difficult.
When this organism’s population spreads over your tank, removing it may be challenging and often looks unpleasant.
The common cause of the growth of unwanted plants is excess light. That’s why it’s best to get the best aquarium light to prevent algae.
Let’s dive into this article to learn the root causes of algae in your tank and some buying guides before purchasing one!
Contents
Why Do Algae Grow Too Much?
Here are the most popular reasons for algae growth in your tank:
Excess Light
These organisms require light to flourish. Therefore, if your aquarium receives excessive illumination, you will likely experience algae problems.
It’s particularly true if your tank is located near a window or includes aquarium lighting that will be on continuously.
This organism’s population will flourish under these unnaturally strong and intense illumination conditions.
The bulb type you install for your tank can also impact it. For instance, halogen lighting is more prone to generate algal issues than fluorescent lighting.
Even fewer problems can occur with LED illumination. Put your tank in a location where it receives the proper illumination while avoiding direct sunlight.
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Excess Nutrients
Fish or other aquatic animals will produce nitrogen and phosphorus-containing excrement. These organisms rely on these substances to live, so they can significantly contribute to the development of unwanted plants in tanks.
If the fish population is overcrowded, or you provide them with excess food, you probably release many essential nutrients that might promote algae growth.
As a result, you will unintentionally fulfill the fertilizer required for the development of this organism’s population.
Irregular Water Changes
Additionally, stagnant aquarium water encourages the growth of unwanted plants. Lack of routine water changes can cause the water to be increasingly nutrient-rich, which will promote an excessive amount of algae bloom.
Ideally, it’s best to change the water weekly or every two weeks. Aerators and filters are also helpful in removing waste and debris in your tank.
Common causes
How To Choose Aquarium Light?
If you plan to buy the best aquarium light, let’s consider the following factors:
Type Of Bulb
When selecting any aquarium illumination, the kind of bulb is probably the most significant factor. You may use a variety of bulbs in tanks, such as:
Fluorescent bulbs:
This type is the most typical bulb. It has various colors at an affordable price. These bulbs are less hot than other types, so they are suitable for tanks.
LED bulbs:
Compared to other types, these bulbs consume significantly less energy while also having a long lifespan. You can watch this video to know the differences between the two common types: LED vs. Fluorescent bulbs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EthaxaUllmE
Halogen bulbs:
This option offers intense illumination, but it may be pretty pricey.
Light Features
Some products include built-in timers and dimmers, which may help limit the growth of these organisms.
Light Wavelength
Different forms of illumination have other effects on various species of algae.
Blue illumination promotes the growth of some forms of these organisms, including green algae.
In contrast, red illumination promotes the development of other organisms, like diatoms. Hence, be careful when selecting the illumination wavelength.
Aquatic Plants
It’s best to consider the requirements of other aquatic plants in your tank before getting an aquarium light.
Aquarium plants in bloom may require ten watts of electricity per gallon. On the other hand, a more hardy plant could only require 5 watts of electricity per gallon.
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Best Aquarium Light To Prevent Algae
After researching from various reputable sources and consulting with experienced aquarists, here is a list of the best choices you can use to prevent the overgrowth of these unwanted organisms.
Aquaneat Led Aquarium Light
This option includes 42 LED bulbs releasing a full illumination spectrum, including red and blue wavelengths.
These properties help control the expansion of these organisms in tanks.
This product doesn’t have a built-in dimmer or timer, but all-off and all-on attributes meet many aquarists’ needs.
Marineland Led Light
This type is a fantastic solution for up to 30-gallon tanks, among the most sought-after products available on the market.
These bulbs provide a shimmering appearance that resembles sunlight in the daytime. Most importantly, this option comes with a blue illumination effect setting, which is ideal for controlling green algae growth in your tank.
Nicrew Classicled Plus Planted Aquarium Light
This type is one of the most premium products with LED bulbs of superior quality and an aluminum alloy shell.
This bulb has an energy-efficient, brilliant blend of blue, white, red, and green LED lights, making it ideal for plant development.
Mingdak Submersible Led Aquarium Light
Despite their price, these bulbs are relatively reliable and valuable for preventing the overgrowth of unwanted plants.
This option is uncomplicated but effective. It includes a knob for adjusting the brightness and a built-in timer which you can set for 1 – 8 hours.
Hygger 14w 24/7 Lighting Aquarium Led Light
This product is another item that features both an adjustable dimmer and a timer.
It is ideal for preventing the development of these organisms in your tank as you can turn on or off its timer for 1 – 12 hours.
Besides, if you find the light brightness is inappropriate for your plants, adjust the illumination until you achieve the desired level.
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FAQs
What Color Light Stops Algae Growth?
That’s the red light. Using simply a tiny amount of red illumination can limit the development of these organisms.
Do Led Lights Cause More Algae In An Aquarium?
If you use LED lights for an extended period, they will promote the growth of unwanted plants.
Nevertheless, these bulbs do not promote their development if adequately used because they release minimal heat.
What Color Light Causes Algae In Fish Tanks?
Blue illumination can promote the growth of these organisms in freshwater, whereas low Kelvin illumination with a red maximum can encourage the growth of unwanted plants in tanks.
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What Kills Algae Naturally?
It’s baking soda! This product contains chemical characteristics that aid in the breakdown of these organisms.
Does Algae Grow In Green Light?
Greenlight does not allow these organisms to develop because it’s poorly collected by carotenoids, chlorophyll A, and B, essential for photosynthesis.
Tank with green light
In A Nutshell
This article recommends the best aquarium light to prevent algae in your tanks.
As you can see, you can select various options to stop the overgrowth of these organisms as long as you consider crucial elements.
Light is the most influential factor in your tank, so it’s best to put it in a suitable place of illumination intensity.
If you have further concerns, please comment below. Thanks for reading, and see you in the next post!
