Is Algae Harmful?

[cuticom]

One of my smaller tanks has begun to get quite a bit of algae on it. I'm still scrubbing it off the glass, but on the river pebbles I'm using in there it looks really cool. Gives the whole thing a more natural look and it's the only thing Gavin (paradise fish), the sole inhabitant of the tank, won't rip up.

It's not harmful to the tank at all is it? Or to Gavin? so i could just leave it there?

Thanks
Emma

 

[rockerBOO]

As far as I can recall, most people just do not like the appearance of it, but it should have be a problem in your tank.

 

[Goofy Guppy]

lgae is not aproblem in of itself but it maybe a symptom of a problem though. Algae growth especially lots of it can be the result of over feeding or from excessive nitrates. If the tank gets direct sunlight that maybe all it is.

 

[crazie.eddie]

Algae can only be a problem in planted tanks, because they will take up the nutrients that the plants need. Blue green algae that form on leaves will suffucate the leaves from light.

In a non planted tank, algae is more just a nuisance.

 

[cuticom]

Okies thanks

Yeah the tank does get direct sunlight, only in the afternoons and very early morning though.