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There are two types of algae associated with aquariums. There is both "good" and "bad" algae. Good algae is generally found in small quantities, is indicative of good water quality and is easily kept in control by algae eating fish or simple removal during routine maintenance. This algae is a natural consequence of having a container of water with nutrients and a light source. Bad algae can be caused by either poor water quality or a type of algae that tends to overtake the tank and ruin the aesthetics the aquarist is trying to achieve.

Algae of some type or another will always be present in your tank, unless drastic measures are taken. If you have a fish only tank, a properly set up unltraviolet sterilizer will kill algae spores in the water and prevent them from getting a foothold. However, for planted tanks, this method would be unadvisable since the UV lights will limit the plants growth potential, and lead to a whole new set of problems for your tank.

The most effective way to control algae in a planted aquarium is by introducing algae eating fish. If you are setting up a new tank, it is critical that the algae does not become established before the plants have had a chance to establish themselves. Due to this reason, and to assist in the establishment of the biological filtration, it is advised that you add some hardy algae eaters as soon as possible.

"Plecostomus" is the generic name for a broad variety of sucker-mouth fish. Only the smaller types of Plecostomus are useful in a planted aquarium because the larger varieties have a tendency to eat the plants as well as the algae. The two most common types that are found useful are the "bristle-nose plecostomus" and the "clown plecostomus", also known as "Pekoltia". Both will grow no larger than four inches long, and cause hardly any damage to plants.

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