How does algae grow on stones?

Stones are simply part of the aquarium. Whether they form the substrate, are used for decoration or equipped with plants. They are often a great eye-catcher and offer the residents many hiding places. Algae often forms on the stones over time. This is completely normal and is caused by the mixture of nutrients in the water and the incidence of light. If an aquarium is exposed to too much daylight, algae production can increase.

Too much food can also accelerate algae growth. For this reason, the tank should not be set up directly in front of a window and the food supply should be kept so low that the inhabitants always eat everything up immediately. Animals such as shrimp, catfish and snails can keep the algae in the tank at a healthy level. They eat them and keep the tank clean.

How to clean stones from algae?

If there is too much algae on the stones, it often doesn’t look particularly nice anymore and you want to free the stones from the algae. There are several possibilities for that. First, the stones are removed from the pool. Care must be taken that no catfish or other animals are hidden in the holes in the stones.

Next you have to roughly clean the stones. To do this, hold them under hot running water and scrub them off with a wire brush or, in the case of light algae, with a toothbrush. The next step is to boil the stones in a saucepan or, in the case of particularly stubborn algae, remove the green coating with a high-pressure cleaner.

Tricks for cleaning stones:

• boil the stones
• scrub with a toothbrush or wire brush
• spray with a steam jet
• Put the stones the other way around in the pool
• Use algae-eating animals such as snails, shrimp, catfish
• leave small algae on it
• Untie plants for lamination

Which stones are best for the aquarium?

There are many stones that are well suited for the aquarium. The best known are perforated stones, lava stones and sand-lime stones. The lighter the stone, the faster you can see the green algae film that forms over time.

However, this is not so bad. A greenish stone even gives a well-planted tank a beautiful and natural look. If you want a pool without algae, you have to clean the stones regularly, because you cannot completely prevent algae growth.

How do you clean the substrate?

The substrate can also accumulate algae over time. This can be kept to a minimum by regularly cleaning the floor with a mud bell and changing the water once a week. After about five years, it is advisable to remove the substrate from the tank, wash it thoroughly and use it again.