Flora & Fauna

Brown, dusty coating on glass, substrate, and decorations — the most common algae in newly set-up tanks. Feeds on silicates from tap water and substrate. Almost always disappears on its own within 6–8 weeks once silicates are depleted. Otocinclus catfish and nerites clean it rapidly.

Short, fuzzy green tufts — typically 2–5 mm — that appear on the edges of plant leaves, hardscape, and equipment. One of the most common algae in newly planted tanks. Easily grazed by Amano shrimp, Otocinclus, and nerite snails. Caused by light excess or inconsistent CO₂ early in a tank's life. Usually resolves as the tank matures.

Beloved velvety-green spheres of filamentous green algae — not a moss at all. Forms naturally in cold lakes where wave action rolls colonies into balls over decades. A low-maintenance aquarium icon that grows extremely slowly. Rotate occasionally for even light exposure.

Bright green filamentous algae with distinctive spiral chloroplasts. In small amounts it's a natural part of the ecosystem and a food source for many invertebrates. Can quickly overtake a tank if nutrients or CO₂ are out of balance. Best controlled by reducing phosphates and manual removal.