- The intensity and quality of light they are exposed to.
- The amount of nutrients (DOC's - Dissolved Organic Compounds) they have to feed on.
- The amount of nitrates and phosphates, and for diatoms, the silicates they have to feed on.
- Using an improper make-up or top-off water source. (Tap water usually contains nitrates, phosphates and other unwanted elements).
- Using a poor quality sea salt mix. (One that contains nitrates, phosphates or other unwanted elements).
- Poor or inadequate aquarium maintenance care. (This allows excess amounts of nitrates, phosphates and other unwanted elements to accumulate).
- Low water flow or circulation in the aquarium.
- No natural algae eating predators.
How To Control Algae
By Stan & Debbie Hauter, About.com Guide
Are you having trouble with excessive amounts
of red slime, blue-green, cyanobacteria (brown diatom), green hair, bubble
or other type of algae growth in your aquarium? There are a number
of factors to consider when trying to figure out why you having an
algae problem. The growth of any algae is based on the following factors:
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