Fuzz algae, often seen in freshwater aquariums, can be a common concern for fish keepers. These soft, fuzzy growths typically appear on surfaces such as rocks, plants, and glass, creating an unsightly coating that can disrupt the aesthetic of an aquarium.

Fuzz algae thrive in environments with excess nutrients, particularly phosphates and nitrates, often as a result of overfeeding or inadequate maintenance. While they may not pose a direct threat to fish, their presence can inhibit the growth of live plants and affect water quality.

To manage fuzz algae, regular tank maintenance, including water changes and cleaning of surfaces, is essential. Introducing algae-eating fish or invertebrates can also help control their growth naturally. With proper care, aquarium owners can maintain a healthy balance and keep their tanks looking pristine and vibrant.

Fuzz algae

In order to get answers to basic questions all around algae in the aquarium, we recommend you read this article first.

The term "fuzz algae" describes short green algae growing as individual filaments on plants, the decoration and even the aquarium glass. They are easily confused with hair algae. Those, however, do not grow in individual filaments but form a dense coat on objects. The filaments grow much more densely than those of fuzz algae. It is still unclear whether fuzz algae are an early growth stage of a hair algae species, though.

Common causes

Fuzz algae are a clear sign of an imbalance in a young ecological system. They are frequently found in aquaria that have been existing for a short time only, approximately during weeks 4 through 8. A sudden outbreak of fuzz algae in an older set-up is often caused by imbalances of the macronutrients (Legend Essential). A permanent but slight population of fuzz algae is quite normal and no reason for concern.

Control

Optimising the nutrient supply leads to improved plant growth. Fuzz algae are then easily outcompeted. Aquatic plants rely on a balanced nutrient supply. Which conditions and nutrients they need in the aquarium has been laid down in this article about aquarium basics. Quite frequently, fuzz algae appear when there is a carbon deficiency (remedied by adding CO2) and a deficiency of macronutrients (NPK). Please look up the target values for these nutrients in the following list:

• A CO2 content of approximately 20-30 mg/l, measurable by a permanent test with test agent

• 10 to 25 mg/l of nitrate (NO3)

• 5 to 10 mg/l of potassium (K)

• 0.1 to 1 mg/l of phosphate (PO4)

• >10 mg/l of magnesium (Mg)

The algae should face competition by a sufficiently large, healthy, fast-growing aquatic plants. Given that the nutrient supply is well-balanced, adding more plants can be helpful to fight fuzz algae.

Using a sufficient number of algivorous aquatic animals is highly recommendable. Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata, also known under their old scientific name C. japonica) are excellent algae-eaters, as are some dwarf shrimp species like Neocaridina davidi or Caridina logemanni.

As fuzz algae attach themselves to the substrate very stubbornly, they are difficult to remove manually. Those that grow on the aquarium glass can easily be scraped off with a blade cleaner.

When the aquarium is severely infested with fuzz algae, treat with Avernus AlBlack EX, combined with a sufficient number of shrimp.