{"id":13353,"date":"2022-10-13T12:00:17","date_gmt":"2022-10-13T10:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/recifaliste.fr\/nuisance-algae-in-reef-aquariums\/"},"modified":"2026-05-06T20:19:36","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T18:19:36","slug":"nuisance-algae-in-reef-aquariums","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/recifaliste.fr\/en\/nuisance-algae-in-reef-aquariums\/","title":{"rendered":"Nuisance algae in reef aquariums"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Higher algae are necessary for a proper balance in a marine aquarium, but the spread of filamentous algae like Bryopsis and Derbesia is a scourge for aquarists. When these filamentous algae become uncontrollable in a reef aquarium, beyond the unsightly appearance, they threaten the existence of the coral population, especially particularly delicate hermatypic corals. <\/p>\n\n

During aquarium startup<\/h2>\n\n

Algae represent a true refuge for microscopic animals<\/a> as well as the aquarium’s macrofauna. <\/p>\n\n

In a reef aquarium, they are generally cultivated in an auxiliary tank, the “refuge,” connected to the main tank to protect this macrofauna. Another significant advantage is that they allow for the filtration of heavy metals and absorb Po4 and No3 from the aquarium, promoting the balance of the biotope. <\/p>\n\n

During the cycling of a newly installed aquarium<\/a>, diatom<\/a> algae (brown algae) generally appear first along with dinoflagellates<\/a>, then cyanobacteria<\/a>, and finally filamentous algae (Derbesia, Bryopsis, etc.). <\/p>\n\n

Once silicon (silicates), dissolved organic compounds, nitrates\/phosphates, trace elements, and macro-elements (phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium) have been absorbed, red calcareous algae appear. <\/p>\n\n

However, after the startup phase, nuisance algae may persist or appear. <\/p>\n\n

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Their growth is generally associated with high concentrations of nutrients (nitrates and\/or phosphates) or trace elements.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n

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Valonia or Ventricaria bubble algae<\/h2>\n\n

If bubble algae (Valonia or Ventricaria) multiply at an excessive rate, they can pose a threat to reef aquariums and harm corals. <\/p>\n\n

\"Valonia<\/figure>
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Surgeonfish do not touch this algae (it is a bit too large and hard for their teeth), and if the proliferation is not controlled, Valonia will become a threat to the corals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IMAGE: <\/em>Valonia ventricosa in a reef aquarium<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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Manual removal is the best technique to eradicate it, but be careful not to pierce it, as this risks spreading spores throughout the aquarium.<\/p>\n\n