In this article, we will concentrate on Green Spot Algae (GSA). They often appear in the planted tank as a bunch of little green dots sticking on hard surfaces. It is include hardscape, aquarium equipment, substrates, and ornaments, and on the aquatic leaves of plants that grow slowly.
As much as other freshwater aquarium algae types, they are a nuisance that could be fairly nasty in your aquarium. This is because their capability to form ugly green coats over the fish tank thus makes it unattractive and, in some instances, uncomfortable for aquatic creatures.
In the beginning, you can still tolerate their presence due to the small number, so they are not too annoyed. However, if these algae grow out of control, they will cover any aquarium objects. In this case, they will not appear as tiny dots but as green coats over the surfaces.
What Is Green Spot Algae?
Green spot algae (GSA) is a member of the freshwater aquatic green algae family. They belong to coleochaete, which is a genus of parenchymatous charophyte green algae under the Coleochaetales order.
These algae types are able to attach to various surfaces inside the aquarium, such as plants, decorations, equipment, substrate, and even wall glass.
The growth of GSA is quite swift under favorable conditions. It can be quickly established in a hardscape and gradually spread to other nearby objects in the planted aquarium within a short time. Then, they will cover the entire area for several days if you are untreated.
How To Identify Green Spot Algae In Freshwater Aquariums
You can easily identify these algae from their shape. They are present in the aquarium as little circulars with bright green. They often appear as colonization of numerous green dots, then grow to creep up to the closest objects. You can feel their texture when you run your fingertips over them.
Generally, they establish small green spots on hard surfaces, such as wood, stones, and tank glass. GSA also frequently develops on the leaves of slow-growing aquatic plants such as bucephalandra and anubias species.
The green spot algae that form on the wall glass usually has a lighter green tint. Meanwhile, those that vegetate on the plants’ leaves naturally arise as slightly dark green dots.
Their size is tiny, about 1 millimeter (0.004 inches) in diameter. However, when you left them to grow up without any way to control them, they would merge and become a blotchy mat on the object’s surface. Well, at this phase, they may not seem like spots anymore.
Another fact about green spot algae is that their growth rates are slow. They are different from most aquarium algae species, which typically multiply rapidly.
How Does Green Spot Algae Reproduce?
Green spot algae are haploid; they reproduce through both asexual and sexual methods. This alga also exhibits true multicellular organization, with plasmodesmata facilitating communication between adjacent cells.
- The asexual reproduction process occurs by the formation of zoospores.
- The sexual reproduction method happens by oogamy. Once fertilization is complete, the sterile jacket of cells will form and then surround the zygotes for their protection.
Green Dust Algae VS Green Spot Algae
There is another green alga that is almost similar to GSA when present in the aquarium. Green dust algae (GDA) have the ability to form green flat coats across the surface of aquarium objects, which is identical to green spot algae.
Both of them typically grow on the leaves and decorations in the fish tank; they will continue to reproduce, making their population grow larger if the conditions are favorable.
However, when you look at their morphological features, you will see that they are actually different from each other. As their name suggests, green dust algae form as dust layers with a green color on walls, glass, and aquarium objects. In comparison, the green spot algae appear as tiny, circular, thin green disks on the surfaces.
You can use your fingertips to feel their texture to differentiate these two green algae types. The green spot algae give a rough or harder sensation on the edge of your finger when touching them, while the green dust algae are relatively smooth and easy to lift off.
The second point about them is that GSA is difficult to wipe out from surfaces; green dust algae can be scrubbed off or erased easily. Nonetheless, if you let them thrive without being treated for an extended period, the GDA may also develop a thick, green film that is difficult to scrape off.
Third, the growth rate of green spot algae is slower, unlike that of green dust algae, which grows faster. Lastly, GDA has a light green color, which is different from the GSA, which is slightly darker.
Generally, green dust algae are caused by abrupt changes in the aquarium, such as fluctuations in parameters, excessive light intensity, changes in equipment, or the addition of new pets. Treating GDA is slightly simple: make some water changes and keep the aquarium parameters consistently stable.
What Causes Green Spot Algae In The Freshwater Aquarium?
This freshwater aquarium algae can be triggered by several factors, including a deficiency of carbon dioxide, overlighting, low or too high phosphate levels, high organic waste, and old, damaged leaves. These elements collaborate to push the development of green spot algae in the aquarium.
Carbon dioxide deficiency: a lower CO2 level in the water is a major reason that stimulates most aquarium algae to bloom, including this green spot algae.
Excessive lighting: An aquascape tank with extreme lighting intensity and photoperiods that are too long is prone to getting infected by the green spot algae plague. This condition is a perfect chance for them to grow, especially if it combines with other bad aspects, such as lower CO2 content, which will lead to larger green spot algae numbers.
Higher or lower nutrients: in principle, the unstable necessary nutrient content, like phosphate, is a great way for the GSA to bloom. Thus, as an aquarist, you should give proper doses of nutrient fertilizer into the water of the aquarium.
High organic waste: a high infestation of decomposed plant matter and fish feces in the aquarium can cause green spot algae to thrive. This alga also often appears on the old, damaged leaves of plants. Some aquatic creatures, like ramshorn snails, can have a significant impact on producing organic waste due to their rapid and prolific habit, which is why a few tank keepers often ban them.
Another factor that can influence them to live is weak water flow. The poor water circulation causes the infestation of detritus in certain places of the planted tank, making it fertile ground for the algae to grow.
Are Green Spot Algae Harmful to Aquatic Plants In The Planted Tank?
It is still normal if your tank is infected with a small population of green spot algae. Most planted aquariums certainly have some experience with algae outbreaks. They are not dangerous to your valued aquatic plants as long as their growth can be handled.
However, when the contamination begins to worsen, this alga can damage the plants significantly. The green spot algae would compete more in consuming nutrients in the water; clearly, it will stunt their growth.
Besides, when the green spot algae spread crazily, they cover most parts of the plants, making them unable to do photosynthesis and grow accordingly. In this worst condition, the aquatic plants would be dying slowly.
Are Green Spot Algae Harmful to Aquarium Fish?
Actually, green spot algae are safe for fish and other aquarium creatures. Unfortunately, only a few fish species are willing to munch on this alga type, and most of them tend to be uninterested due to their harsh texture.
However, some aquarium algae-eating snails readily accept these algae as their extra snacks in the tank. If you do not take any action against them, they will multiply their numbers, wrap the plants, and hamper them from producing oxygen. It decreases the O2 level in the water, making it hard for your fish to breathe; in the worst case, they may die.
How To Remove Green Spot Algae In The Aquarium
In order to treat and stop green spot algae growth in the planted tank, you could follow the steps below:
Manual Removal
This method works to reduce the green spot algae population; however, it can not wipe them out entirely. This method is effortless; however, you will need special tools to scrape or scrub them on the surfaces. Below are some samples that are usually sold on Amazon; choose one that fits your problems:
Suppose you have an aquarium made of acrylic. You should use certain tools or blades that would not leave scratch marks on the walls of your tank.
The manual cleaner method works to eradicate the algae from the tank glass, ornaments, and equipment. Scrape these objects softly until there are no visible traces of green spot algae inside the aquarium. Take a gravel cleaner or spade to pick up the algae coats on the substrate, together with the detritus.
How do we get rid of green spot algae from the plants? A proper way to remove them from the aquatic vegetation is by cutting off the infected leaves or parts and then throwing them away from the tank. Remember, these algae are stubborn, which means it is not possible to kill out the green spot algae without hurting the plants, so take your scissors and prune them off.
How to get rid of green spot algae on the decorations and equipment? It is straightforward: remove the rocks, driftwood, aquarium gear, and other debris. Then, scrub the surface with an old toothbrush, rough sponge, or scouring pads under running tap water.
Introducing Green Spot Algae Eaters Into Your Infected Planted Tank
Adding algae-eating crews can push down the growth rate of green spot algae, but it still depends on the outbreak levels. They are effective against low to medium-sized cases. Several fish species that usually munch on this alga, including:
- Borneo sucker fish
- Otocinclus catfish
- Royal farlowella
- Chinese hillstream butterfly loach
Compared with other aquarium shrimp species, Amano shrimp are more prominent in eating the green spot algae, although they tend to ignore the algae that form on the glass wall.
Do nerite snails eat green spot algae?
Nerite snails are an excellent weapon for killing green spot algae. But, they need a long time to tackle their growth; it gives a chance for the algae to replace themselves after they are swallowed. You may require more nerite snails to anticipate this problem; however, it can lead to another issue, like an infestation of organic waste produced by the snails. Make sure to clean your tank frequently while performing this treatment method.
How many Nerite snails do you need?
It depends on how big your tank is and the algae population. If you buy the snails to control algae growth, you generally need 1 snail to cover 20 liters of water (5 gallons).
But if you keep them to devour many tough green coats, at least add two or more Nerite snails for five gallons of water, depending on the tank condition. In the end, you will see the difference in your aquarium, but do not make a wish for a quick result.
Aside from nerite snails, there are a few aquarium mollusk species which has a similar ability to wipe out these algae, preferably, including:
- Theodexus snail
- Hairy snail
- Japanese trapdoor snail
- Mystery snail
- Rabbit snail
- Ramshorn snail
Phosphate Dosing Treatment
The deficiency of nutrients, primarily phosphate content, is the main issue that causes green spot algae to arise in the fish tank.
Insufficient nutrition makes the health level of the plants really poor. They also should constantly compete with algae for food resources in the water, making their condition very bad.
Before you perform this treatment, check the dissolved nutrient content using your favorite aquarium test kits.
Accordingly, to resolve these algae problems in your freshwater aquarium, raising the amount of phosphate substances as much as required becomes a good step to eliminate them. The recommended measure of phosphate is a range of 0.05-1.5 mg/L, which helps aquatic plants develop well and minimizes algae colonies.
Then, it further needs a nutrient dose (especially phosphate content) to be slightly in excess throughout the week. Lastly, perform a 50% water change at the end of the week.
Another way is to inject potassium phosphate directly into the green spot algae zones within the planted aquarium.
- Firstly, prepare the dry potassium phosphate powder (KH2PO4) and a syringe or pipette.
- Next, add some phosphate powder to the syringe/pipette, mix it with a small amount of water, and shake it.
- After that, turn off the aquarium filter.
- Apply this solution to the objects where green spot algae exist.
- Leave it works, maximum is 5 minutes, and turn the filtration system back.
Do not let the phosphate level exceed the tolerance level of your tank, as it can lead to another issue. If this happens, the water’s nutrients become too high, and your plants can not absorb them all. In order to prevent this case from occurring, you should do a water change.
Keep in mind, if you keep a shrimptank, huge and/or frequent water changes may cause molting issues for your crustacean pets. Well, be careful with that.
Carbon Dioxide Treatment
It is essential to install the CO2 checker, which helps you easily monitor the level of this content. If your freshwater fish tank lacks CO2, boost this content level to a specific number by installing a carbon dioxide injection system (if you do not use a CO2 kit). Once the green spot algae population has decreased significantly, gradually reduce the CO2 rate until it reaches the normal level.
Does Seachem Flourish Excel Eradicate Green Spot Algae?
Some aquarium hobbyists like using a carbon liquid from the seachem brand called Flourish Excel to get rid of most aquarium algae types. This popular product is proven to help aquarists inhibit algae development due to its glutaraldehyde content.
Flourish Excel is a popular commercial aquarium product that supplies organic carbon to the water. This can substitute for dissolved CO2 because the carbon content can still be used and absorbed easily by aquatic plants for photosynthesis.
Most aquarium algae can be killed with this solution, such as:
- Green dust algae
- Green Hair Algae ( such as Spirogyra, Rhizoclonium, Oedogonium, and Cladophora)
- Brown algae
- Black beard algae
- Staghorn algae
- Fuzz algae
How to use Seachem Flourish Excel to kill the green spot algae
Simply, you just take a little bit of a dose of this solution directly through the syringe to the algae clusters. Use a 3- to 5-mL dose of Flourish Excel every day until the algae are gone. This product is safe for your fish, shrimp, and snails, and the plants will be happier with the increased carbon content.
A different product that is a similarly powerful product with Seachem Flourish Excel is API Algaefix. Both of these cures can remedy your tropical tank from most aquatic algae that usually invade the aquarium.
Green Spot Algae Chemical Remover
Chemical removal treatment is the last method to destroy this pest. This product is effective for high outbreak levels and eliminates the remaining debris that cannot be scrubbed off. You can buy a hydrogen peroxide or bleach solution at nearby stores. However, we do not recommend this solution due to the possibility it can break your tank; remember, these chemicals are harmful to aquarium populations.
Take this medication twice in certain periods, and do not forget to use gloves during the treatment. H2O2 and bleach are also helpful in disinfecting and quarantining new or old infected aquatic plants to clean them up from fungus, bacteria, algae, and other creatures that can be parasites (such as planaria, scuds, and hydra) in the planted aquarium.
To make a cleaner mixture, use 20 parts of water with 1 part of bleach liquid (20:1) in a suitable vessel; do not forget to remove the lousy component first.
- Use tweezers to soak the plants or equipment in order to avoid direct contact with your skin.
- Leave them submerged in the mixture for 5 to 15 minutes.
- Once the algae get noticeably brighter, move the plants into a container with clear water.
- Adding some water conditioner into the water container to neutralize the chlorine ruins, thereafter rinse the plants or equipment with running water until they are completely clean.
Now, we will talk about how to get rid of the green spot algae inside the aquarium:
- Use 3% hydrogen peroxide.
- Move all aquarium populations, including plants and pets, into a separate tank. Ensure that you quarantine the aquatic plants to remove the green spot algae that adheres to them.
- Discard the filter media from the filtration system to save the beneficial bacteria. Place it in a box or container filled with cycled water and oxygenate it with an air stone during the medication process.
- Add 25-35 ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide per 50 liters of water, depending on the condition.
- Pour this solution into the water surface, then stir it gently until it spreads completely. Leave it in the tank for 2 to 3 hours while the filter keeps running to maximize the treatment effect.
- Release and refill your aquarium with new freshwater at least three times to remove the remaining hydrogen peroxide and algae from the fish tank.
After completing these treatment steps, you can introduce your livestock and aquatic plants, and then reinstall the filter media into the filtration system.
How To Prevent Your Fish Tank From Green Spot Algae Invasion
Prevention is the best practice rather than medication. Well, doing some activity that can keep your aquascape tank from green spot algae is necessary, such as the following below:
- Keep the water parameters and nutrients in the fish tank consistently stable by regularly checking it with the tester.
- Perform regular water changes and tank maintenance.
- Never overfeed your livestock.
- Nurture some algae eaters in your fish tank to control the algae growth.
- Address the health issues of livestock and plants as quickly as possible in a different place.
- The average reasonable lighting period is 7-8 hours; a photoperiod that is less than this number can cause your aquatic plants to underperform, and the lighting time more than this may trigger other problems, such as staghorn algae and brown algae.
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