Algae Scaping?

[Themuleous]

Hi all,

This is a pic of my colleague’s tank in her office, just wondering what people think of the thread algae at the front? Being algae I was keen to see it removed, but now I think it looks quite cool B) Just wondering if there is a place for algae (only certain types mind!) in an aquascape?

This isn't a fully planted tank so please appreciate that that is not the look she is going for, hence the rather 'less than lush' growth of her plants.

Sam

 

[leafs]

I understand that a little algae is ok, but that tank is out of control. You can barely see the fish through it. I had a hair algae problem a while back and was so pleased to see it go away.

 

[Themuleous]

I think the picture quality goes a little way to 'adding' algae to the tank, its not as bad as it looks honest! The mirrored back doesn't help when using a flash either.

Sam

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Not sure about on glass, but you can easily grow algae on ornaments and place them in the tank (procedure being merely to take some old tank water, put it in a bucket, place ornament in bucket, sun the bucket until you gte desired growth). Granted, it might not have the look you are going for, but you can see your fish, provide hiding places/infusoria for fry, and you can "rearrange" the algae.

 

[riverman444]

Good Lord.............that's a bit of algae.

 

[fishboytoo]

If you're going for the natural look... algae is very natural. Hmmm... maybe Amano will start designing tanks that look like old swamps! It could be the newest craze.

In all honesty, I think algae could have it's place in an aquascape but wouldn't it be too difficult to control? At the local museum they have a display of native coldwater species of Alberta and the boulders are completely overgrown with algae, it doesn't look terrible at all IMO.

FB2

 

[George Farmer]

Just wondering if there is a place for algae (only certain types mind!) in an aquascape?

For me absolutely not. Excess algae is the best sign there is that there is something wrong. I could never enjoy an aquascape that has lots of visible algae, even if it looked superficially nice, I wouldn't be able to relax knowing my system wasn't in balance.

This said, a small amount of green algae covering rocks etc. can add to the wabi-sabi element and create a more natural appearance.