AQUARIUM ALGAE GUIDE - HOW TO FIX ALGAE ISSUES AND WHAT CAUSES ALGAE BLOOM

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Great film guys! I love the style and more importantly the content is great. Algae is the number one reason people give up the hobby. If we can sort that we can retain more hobbyist which is great news for us all!

[@GreenAquaShop]

Absolutely, George. Thanks for your kind words, Mate. The main goal here is to get everybody back from the dark side. Let the powa' be wit us. 😁

[@GreenAquaShop]

Not really. The aquarium hobby is not so expensive - especially if you already have the aquarium with some gear. If you are short on money but you like the hobby you still have a number of possibilities...

[@capric4545]

Yo... I watched this dude before

[@ghos282]

The Entirety of the Video Title that appears on KZbin 'Recommended' Page: "HOW TO FIX ALGAE" ..Why? Is yours Broken?

[@danielouw2095]

@@GreenAquaShop I have a new tank, being running for 11 days now and I'm doing frequent water changes at least once or even twice a week and using pressurized CO² with only 6 hrs of light. Yet I still see green thread algea. Any recommendation?

[@SGScaper]

“Our pride prohibits us to understand Mother Nature” words to etched into my minds when we approach this hobby. 👍🏼

[@GreenAquaShop]

Yes, that is the most important stuff, to be humble, to not get angry on smbody or smthing, to just listen. ✌

[@brencas]

I needed this video. I've been thinking about leaving the hobby due to the algae issues I've been having. This gave me motivation to keep fighting it. Thank you!

[@GreenAquaShop]

Algae is a sign of a problem. If you keep that in mind this is easier to accept and handle. You can solve it by yourself or by some advice. If there is a heavy infection you still can do a 5 days blackout. That helps a lot to start from a better position. And if the situation is even worst just do a restart and think about how you can make it better next time. Aquascaping is super easy. And if you do your homework well this really not takes up more than an hour from your week. Which is almost nothing. We're happy to help you out in case if you need some feedback. 👍

[@302240sx]

The easiest way to reset your tank with no algae is a tank blackout. 2 to 3 days your fish shimp an plants will all be fine.

[@KX5Kat]

You said it perfectly. One of the reasons I love this hobby is that it forces us to think and act patiently.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Yes. You got the point perfectly. 😎👍🏻

[@benji123big]

Dude im from romainia and now live in California and i think your the coolest person. You crack me up. I miss Europe so direct and to the point.

[@Milestanzi85]

This video is absolutely golden!!!! I’m a sushi chef working 50 hour weeks and I have two pretty decent tanks and I love the hobby and always make time for them!!! Thanks GreenAqua for all your help and advice, we all appreciate you guys!!

[@GreenAquaShop]

You are great, I love your profession, I am an amateur in that, but I love making sushi. Thanks for the kind comment!

[@jayant19901]

Love the way you described things in a natural way. Life will always find a way and nature definitely has its own balance everywhere. Being a doctor and a hobbyist for nearly 15 years I could relate to everything that you said. Keep going, cheers !!

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thanks so much for your encouragement, it means a lot - especially coming from someone who knows this-and-that about biology. 😅😇🙏🏻

[@richardsobeck583]

Motivated me to get an electric solenoid for my CO2 system. No more turning it on by hand! You guys are great! Thank you!

[@robvdeikenlaan]

Great video. Love the Balkan way of communication: direct, bold and no smoothening down. I have some Bulgarian and Romenian colleagues and a wife from Sarajevo and they do the same. Altough for the latter, I've reather that she doesn't direct it too much to me 😉

[@GreenAquaShop]

Haha, I always new Hungary is closer to Balkan than the West. 😃 Also, who said we didn't smoothen it down? 🤣

[@robthebank12]

I know you may never see this Balazs, But I understand 'FLOW' & now i have peace. Thank you! peace & love!🙏

[@discusworld7121]

Great video, loved the simplicity and emotional explanations , strong words "Don't try fight with Algae, find a root of problem " Greedy aquascaper always pay twice...

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thanks Aleksandr, glad you liked it! I did not say anybody has to pay twice though. :D

[@discusworld7121]

@@GreenAquaShop Yes, I mean for good Aquascepe you will have spent more money, time and knowledge.

[@nmgamingandhobbies7109]

You are definitely one of the best aquarists I have known. I truly understand everything you said in this video and it was really informative and a lot of sense. Like others, I am also a beginner for this hobby since I only started last May 2019. But what it makes more interesting than any other type of hobbies is the fact that I learn new things everyday. That this hobby is much more of a complexity that you can't understand the exact science and formula overnight to prevent fishes from dying, withering of plants, controlling the co2, ammonia and ph levels in your tank. Choosing the right filter well, I spend quite a lot in different filters during the process. Then this algae issues comes in, you'll get tired of cleaning the tank, removing the algae over the course of time which is quite understandable but for me, those challenges and problems motivates me more to study and understand the science of aquascaping and fish keeping. This is a hobby which I will continue to work for many years to come.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Yeah, it is absolutely true, we also learn something every day, it's a great process, isn't it?

[@ankushbose7305]

This video solved the issue for leaving this hobby an year back. Anyways, got a new tank this eve for a new start.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Yeah, gogogo!

[@andrewpratt4481]

Awesome video - this helps me immensely. I set up an aquascape about two months ago thinking I was doing everything right. I have ADA soil, CO2 and a good light. Within a few days it was overrun by algae but now understand why - ammonia spike plus high lighting. The good news is I haven’t given up and feel inspired every time I watch one of your videos. Thanks very much

[@GreenAquaShop]

You are welcome, so glad you found this helpful. Cheers Andrew. Good luck with your tank in the future too!

[@pengweisong]

Hi, BALÁZS, I have to say this video is really inspiring and a very interesting way to bring up the topic of algea. I almost gave up aquascaping due to the algea. Before I throw away all my equipments, I found this video and your algea guide which tells me not to fight with algea, but find the root cause and resolve it. Thanks and I have found the problems, resolve those issues one by one. Today I have a good, balance and beautiful planted tank which I love an enjoy with really minimum effort to take care the algea. Thanks a lot helping me stay with this hobby and it is really an amazing hobby.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Now this is exactly why we made this video Wei Song Peng. Can't tell how much I loved your comment! Made my day. Thanks for that. 💪🏻👍🏻

[@jamesguan9392]

This is my favorite channel. I just started an aquascaped tank as a noob and I now have a tank of algae. However, because of this information here, I was able to get rid of it.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Oh, that is cool to read! Glad you prevailed. Cheers!

[@jellevdbrink2901]

It just keeps amazing me how high quality all of your videos are! keep them coming!

[@GreenAquaShop]

Cheers, Jelle, thanks! We always try to keep the level high and will keep doing it in the future. 👍 Not easy btw. 😁

[@mrek2068]

Brilliant video. Ignore those who just dislike everything. They have their own issues! Green Aqua are truly inspirational, humorous and great teachers. The production values of your videos are pure Hollywood, or in this case Bollywood, given the music. Genius.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Haha, indeed. We try different music with different videos, glad you appreciate our production effort. Cheers.

[@AquaOwner]

Very well done and this tank was the perfect filming spot for everything algea related :D

[@GreenAquaShop]

Danke Tobi. 😃A case study, right? This aquarium gave us the idea in the first place. 💡😅

[@kwahanui]

Great advice and I agree with you wholeheartedly.I deal with algae by not owning a fish tank and by watching your videos and letting you and your assistant do all the cleaning up. So much more efficient use of my time.Much appreciated. Keep up the good work and I'll enjoy my popcorn.🍿

[@GreenAquaShop]

Haha, yeah.😅

[@1213lifeguard]

Haha this was both instructive and funny as hell, Green Aqua Guru

[@GreenAquaShop]

Definitely not a Guru, that is Viktor. 😂 We would have been able to say so much more though, but we wanted to fit into this timeframe with all the topics... 👍

[@balintkelenyi2946]

Both the English and Hungarian subtitles were really well-made and accurate! BIG THUMBS UP!

[@GreenAquaShop]

And we now have the best guy to do these subtitles! 😎 Right, Tamás? 😉

[@MySupra86]

"Welcome to the dark world of Aquascaping"...I paused and hit LIKE!! and continue watching....

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thanks mate 😉👍

[@luisdesousa2168]

I've been watching every your videos as possible regarding my free time. In simple language, you are giving to all people wich are seeing your videos a great, great help! You're in a good mission! God bless you!

[@dusandobranic2746]

too loud background sound

[@GreenAquaShop]

Yup noted thanks for your feedback. Will fix it next time. 👍

[@Modelpilot]

Personally i like the background music a lot,

[@Rick-the-Swift]

@@Modelpilot You don't get it bro. The background music may have been alright if it wasn't 3 times louder than the dude's voice which completely drowned out the information being conveyed. smh

[@Modelpilot]

Rick the Swift when i watch this video on my big screen and premium surround set, i can understand Balazs clearly and the music is mind blowing ..... but i can imagine watching this on a ipad or laptop the music is a bit loud 👍🏻

[@DeepikaAditya]

Nice to hear Indian Classical Music as Background.

[@mateuszbrodziak217]

I find your content so empowering. Starting a first planted tank in a few weeks. If I ever fail, it will be all on you! But for real, should I ever get algae, I won't dispair. It will be only a motivation to improve the process next time. The cost of even rebuilding the setup is nothing compared to purchasing all the things from the beginning.

[@louiserasmussen1903]

haha love this video, you really hit the nail here both with your attitude, content and production value. one new fan, and subscriber, thanks to george I peeked by.

[@JaySmith-ky1wb]

Sorry bad day

[@neethinathan]

It's super emotional feel comes from the Indian classical music You guys really touched the real time reason for giys quitting the hobby. Just give the reason to continue

[@GreenAquaShop]

Yeah, thanks brother.

[@AlsFishBarn]

Hahahahaha I love you guys! You just don’t take crap and don’t fake anything to try to please anyone! Keep doing you!

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thanks Alec, also, we really do not want to offend anybody though, we are so so glad that our viewers appreciate our humor and get the jokes and are not angry on us for our style. This is the best thing that can happen to us. We LOVE YOU GUYS! Really.

[@michaelkane2470]

Hey.....when I was in high school,I had several Fresh Water Tanks.I used to speed up adding fish,by using Distilled water to fill it.Then every tank needs good bacteria to develop a healthy tank.I would take a cup of water from fish bag,and pour it in tank.And had Mollies,when they would get Ick,I would get a Q Tip,Mcurecrome ,dip Q Tip in,and touch the spot on the fish.It worked good.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thanks for sharing your method with us Michael!👍🏻

[@shelbybuan]

This guy is amazing! Hahaha! Loved the video, and comedy! Thanks for the great information. Probably one of the most informative, and accurate, videos on algae out there!

[@GreenAquaShop]

You're welcome Shelby, glad you liked our humor. Stay tuned for more tutorials from us. 👍🙏

[@DuilioBiccari]

Yes, sure the best video about algae.

[@rejinrajan1733]

Informative and Beautiful video with Beautiful Indian music... I loved it. This is the right way to explain how to keep aquarium clean and neat. I am a person who given up my favorite hobby because of algae. Now it motivates a lot. Planning to start again. Thank you green aqua. Thanks a lot.

[@chakrabartisaumya]

Another excellent informative video and the best music in your videos so far!

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thank you for your words. We're glad you like it saumya chakrabarti 👍

[@luiswicho5301]

I'm fighting against algae now. I saw again this video to find a solution. Next I'm going to read your guide. I need to be patient. My tank has 3 weeks. Thanks for encourage us.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Yeah, be patient, algae appears at that stage, it will go away.

[@luiswicho5301]

@@GreenAquaShop I hope so. May your tongue be blessed. I'm going to beat these algaes. 😁

[@GreenAquaShop]

I read eat first, Haha.

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

Ah! I love this! Love when you address the haters. hahaha ✌😍

[@GreenAquaShop]

You know you get a call after working hours.... and you face with the evil.... not surprised you have weird thoughts... 😀 or just blame the miso soup for that 😄👍

[@rippinskid]

best part of the video

[@SoundmanCH]

So many true insights in this video. Problem number one really is the lazy and impatient aquascaper (aka myself) in front of the tank. A scaper’s work is never done :-). There will always be rewarding moments in this hobby. Just now I am enjoying a bunch of baby Corydoras woozling around my tank since a couple of days. So cool!

[@GreenAquaShop]

Oh, that's cool indeed, love to see fish born in a tank. Good luck with your scape, and thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, you're great! 🙏🏻👍🏻

[@polanskiman]

Good video. Not sure what you meant by "buy the right equipment" though. If by that you mean buying high end gear like ADA, Twinstar or the like then this is mostly the reason why many people are put off this hobby, not really the algae. A lamp from ADA can literally cost a month's salary to some people. These companies do a disfavor to making the hobby more widespread in my opinion by applying insane margins to their product. But I think the problem lays mostly in people patience and desire to achieve something nice through time. Instant gratification is what people want and this hobby is definitely not going to satisfy that . The equipment is secondary if you know how to use the equipment well and you understand and know the limits of said equipment. Even with cheap hardware one can achieve something, you just need to know how to use it.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Maybe this was not clear from the video as we had to shorten this to fit our 15 minuteish program. Right equipment means the ones which do the job. Not the brand. For example using a small internal filter for your 200L aquarium is not the right way. Same on lighting. With 1 T8 or T5 tube you may will have just problems when try to grow not just shade lower plants. Equipment needs to match with your goals and expectations. Your free time and the hours you're willing to dedicate to your aquarium and maintenance. Patience like you mention is another issue which is worth a video alone. Thanks for your comment :)

[@polanskiman]

@@GreenAquaShop Yes that clears it up. I think the lack of time dedicated to maintaining the aquarium will most certainly be the reason why people end up getting algae. Neglect a tank and then parameters start degrading pretty fast even if you initially have everything set up right at the beginning. Great video content :)

[@pobster88j94]

It is not equipment. I have the best of everything and bba all over my plant leaves.

[@supremecamels7736]

Bang on - I come from a reef tank background and the amount of people I know who have given up after a year is crazy. They expect a flourishing reef in 6 months... Try 5 years. Same kind of scenario is kids starting to weight train and jumping on steroids and the like because they want instant results... It's whats wrong with this world. No patience these days!

[@Sinserg]

This is one of the few channels were all the content it's worth one's time, so much good advises and information, this channel is like a gift to people already in the hobby and to new aquarists as well keep up the great job that you are doing! 👍

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thank you Sergio 😄 ✌️

[@roberth.4435]

A favorite one: you’re gonna disturb the fish!! 😂 of course they’re not disturbed.. they hide in the hardscape like in nature when something big and dangerous moves in the surrounding area.. and they hide for some time.. once they get used to weekly manteinance they don’t care anymore.. they’re usually surrounding your hands to catch any baby shrimp or any tasty treasures you take out when doing manteinance. 🤣

[@GreenAquaShop]

Yes Robert, absolutely. 😀

[@genevievea.9839]

I cannot count how many times i almost sucked in my angelfish in my siphon hose 😂 he likes me so damn much that he thinks i’m feeding him 🤭

[@taradonelson9242]

I love the opening to this video. So dramatic! I was not expecting that! 😂 This is the first video I have seen from your channel. The music and soothing voice is calming, which is helpful for a newbie like me who is feeling anxious and frustrated about recurring algae. I will be back!

[@GreenAquaShop]

LOL :) Welcome. Thanks for the support Tara!

[@vladimirstojanovic3603]

"I bought this rock from you guys,it's leaking something! The fish are dying....... Just watch another movie" :D Epic!! :D P.S. Great video!

[@GreenAquaShop]

Haha, thanks. Glad you like id Vladimir!

[@shaeder6193]

You are so right man i use to have so many Algees and since I do every week 50% water changes no issues at all 👍

[@GreenAquaShop]

There you go! So glad for this comment, maintenance is key!

[@suyog1260]

I even don't have to watch full video.. Once your video is uploaded first thing i do is hit that like button and then start watching..btw nice background music 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thank you for your support mate! 😃👍It's good to hear we get the like in advance 😃Initially when i heard the music i thought i will see some snake dancing behind Balazs at some point, but never happened :) - Viktor

[@Treehead726]

I really love your videos! I'm not up to even close to your level. I'm about 1 month in. No C02 or anything yet but I love your approach to aquascaping. You try to understand nature, not control it. That's what fascinates me about the hobby. Seeing what nature does and trying to understand it enough to help balance it. Just wanted to say thanks! Learning a lot. Long way to go!

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thanks for your words Pamela. Love to hear your project is going well. Have a lot of fun with the setup and enjoy the ride in this beautiful hobby 😍

[@davidrocha1719]

love this video ! if you want a pro quality aquascape ! its all about maintenance !! i always tell people the same thing. Some people are just lazy. BTW i love your comments in the video !! " Its the rock i picked up from you guys "

[@GreenAquaShop]

Cheers David, thanks, glad you love it. 😎 Really need to joke about these things sometimes... 😉

[@OriginalMindTrick]

If you are lazy you need to do it right from the start and over-filtrate, chose mostly easy slow growing plants and plant heavily from the start, keep light levels low and the light on for 5-8 hours, keep fish stock low and feed just enough. If you do this and add appropriate algae eaters like otocinclus, amano/pinocchio shrimp and nerite/ramshorn snail, you can afford to be lazy and only do maintenance once a month or even more seldom.

[@davidrocha1719]

OriginalMindTrick I agree ☝🏽 but if you wanna keep a pro quality aqua scape and keep difficult plants you have to keep up with weekly water changes and over all maintenance. I my self have a low demanding aqua scape and an aqua scape that I constantly have to maintain

[@GreenAquaShop]

Great tips OriginalMindTrick 👍 Still many people just tend to miss parts from this list or completely go the other direction. Then algae come and overtake the whole tank :)... and we get a call :)

[@GreenAquaShop]

You're right David, different goals different dedication required. The problem comes when people mix these. 😃

[@boomerdiorama]

"Just wait a little more, be patient, and save more money to get good equipment" (unquote). Good advice sir. . . will do.

[@GreenAquaShop]

👍🏻 Cheers Trout.

[@ungahaayah9565]

The music was so amazing and beautiful loooooove it

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thanks! That's the beauty of music! Some like it some not! Glad you like it! 👍🏻

[@vexcarius7100]

Real talk level: 100 I'm a newbie to the hobby but I learn everyday.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Welcome to the hobby, and glad you like our videos. :)

[@vexcarius7100]

@@GreenAquaShop Thank you. Subscribed. :)

[@GreenAquaShop]

Good news, thanks a lot. :)

[@chirimaru]

Wait, was that a Fifth Element reference?? "Aziz, light!"

[@GreenAquaShop]

Haha yes, love Luc Besson.

[@mitch.el420]

I love the bit about humility when confronting Mother Nature, even if it is just a tank of algae

[@Zoivod]

Nice call back to the fifth element. Hahah best movie ever. Aziz..LIGHT.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Yes, we love Luc Besson! Best director.

[@bastafari1636]

@@GreenAquaShop That's a bold statement.

[@crococool88]

i enjoyed to watch this video and i gree with you in totaly because you're right i do some test on my own aquarium. I'm thinking to restart the aquarium because i did some misstakes from the beginning : i didn't put fertil soil this is the first mistake, i didn't put a co2 instalation and after 3 months all my plants are in very bad condition, and i have an internal filter because i don't afford an external one.... so i decided to make it again from 0 but now i know what i did wrong. Thank you for the lessons you guys are doing a great job

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thanks for the kind feedback. Good luck with your new tank!

[@jackd5181]

Haha I love how you called out everything that people said 😂😂😂

[@GreenAquaShop]

Well, that's what they said, so I had to. 😇

[@mcartagenova]

Great video Balazs!! I'm rewatching it know!!!, I have green spot + black beard... 7 years aquarium... main causes as I guess: co2 fluctuation (had baking soda home made co2, changed a week ago to a pro system) the heater was defective... the temp went almost 30° c... and out of fear i stopped dosing nutrients... now the fight begins!!!

[@GreenAquaShop]

Haha, you've got it! Good luck with your fight. Well, a 7-year old tank certainly has lots of organic decomposition too...

[@adamkabalec9593]

Absolutely amazing. (: Thank you, thank you, thank you ... Can't wait for the next video.

[@GreenAquaShop]

You are welcome Adam. :) Viktor is already working on the next video! :)

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thank you Adam, glad you like this one 👍

[@_billuraj_]

Love the Music... The music of my land - India! Loved the content and the presentation... I was a victim of "algae problem" and I left the hobby! I remain an enthusiast henceforth!

[@GreenAquaShop]

It looks like you guys really like your own music, you are not the first who was happy about it. 👍 I guess that's how it should be. I hope you'll get back soon to this beautiful hobby and manage to have an algae-free aquarium. Many people from all around the world can do it, with a little attention and investment it can be done perfectly. Cheers!

[@Mikeymikemike]

haha, I also say "Aziz Light!" to my family

[@GreenAquaShop]

Funny movie, The 5th Element, right? I love Luc Besson! 👍😎

[@mcrisorius]

:-) :-) :-) La meilleur explication vidéo que j'ai vue sur des centaines ... simple, directe, efficace et logique.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Merci! 🙏🏻So glad you found this useful! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@monotoshmitra]

😔 ... algae ..where can we buy Balazs the algae eater 🙃 ..I tried lot of algae eater but nothing like u..how u were having the soup... Great video by the way lot of info thank u..

[@GreenAquaShop]

Hey Monotosh Mitra, yeah, I can do algae like crazy. 😁 Thanks for your kind words.👍

[@hkja99]

I love the Algae guide on the website! So comprehensive and useful informations on causes

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thanks! Finally someone who reads! :D Haha.

[@kamiljeliman]

So in one word: Imbalance :-)

[@GreenAquaShop]

Yeah, Petr, we should not have waisted 17 minutes. 😁 Less is more. 😉👍✌

[@waynemaffit5931]

That was AWESOME! Straight -Up, No Chaser. Sometimes, you just got to call a spade a spade or "Watch another movie!"

[@Xyphren]

lay off the Indian Peyote bro.... chill that background music

[@Renagade5150]

I completely disagree lol. Love the music! Way better than the pop they usually play. Always seemed so out of place to me...

[@Zerosoundz]

I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@alixxworkshop846]

Really nice and usefull video. First thing to prevent algae is a good biological filtration.Just one sponge in outside filter and all other with quality filter materials (Micromec,SubstratPro,etc...),not overlightning 8-9h max,not overfeeding and overpopulating with fish,Quality fertilizers,get yourself Otocynclus and Cardinia,1/3 water change every month,and no algaee ever. Only problem that I have are dots on Anubia. That's most annoying thing in aquaristic :D

[@GreenAquaShop]

Yeah, you are absolutely right, in everything that you say! Cheers!

[@lllchendavidlll]

I don't understand the 50% weekly water change. How is ammonia high if you have a cycled filter with plants? Both beneficial bacteria and plants deal with ammonia. If ammonia is so high that you need to change 50% every week in a YEAR OLD aquarium, then something is really wrong. You speak of balance, but don't these frequent "maintenance" routines disrupt an ecosystem that is trying to balance itself? I fear the constant "maintenance" gives algae more of an advantage over the plants since algae inherently adapt to changing environments better than plants do. I don't think it's correct to say your aquarium is balanced if you need such frequent maintenance. It's like saying your boat is perfect as you constantly plug the leaking holes while it sails LOL.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Haha David, I do sail, and btw - yes! A regular, bit older sailboat would start leaking and will leak all the time! 😅The bilge pump will start to run occasionally and most of the time you have no idea where that water came from. That has happened to me with several boats. 💡 It's the same with your aquarium - this is not a digital situation. I do not really like to talk about "balance" too much, because that is almost incomprehensible with our knowledge and tools. Here's on example why: Ammonia is not being constantly and evenly produced in your aquarium. For example if a leaf is detached from the main plant it will not start to rot instantly and it will not rot forever after that. Bacteria are constantly feeding on Ammonia, but only on the amount that is available for them. If a bigger dose of Ammonia gets them, they will start multiplying and feeding some more. This is a fragile balance. You really need to help it with the water changes. It is very important that water changes not only remove excess Ammonia from the system, but also other organic materials (small particles floating in your water, debris, etc) and also excess Nitrate and Phosphate, preventing their quantities to reach plant-growth prohibiting levels. You are right in suspecting that water changes can hurt the ecosystem. Really big temperature changes, big pH fluctuations, and other water parameter level changes can all be of negative effect for plants. (Smaller changes are tolerated though, just think how well plants have adapted for example to big rains that bring temperature changes to rivers in the nature). All-in-all do not fear bigger and constant maintenance sessions. Just try to keep your tank clean, and you'll be fine. 🤟🏻

[@Duck-rm3no]

I agree with David on this one. 50% weekly water changes can indeed solve or prevent an algae problem, but it is problem solving "with a hammer". For tanks up to say...80-100L it is not a huge problem ofc and for nano tanks it is real easy, but you should not HAVE to do 50% changes. Especially not for big tanks. You should really fix the underlying problem instead, if in any way possible (that is the tricky part of course). There are people out there who run really nice planted tanks with hardly any water changes at all (try searching for it). If that is possible, then 50% weekly is surely not something to strive for. Extreme water waste is not super cool either IMO. (Tons of other good stuff in the video though!)

[@trudeaumustgo1920]

Because its not ammonia you are removing with water changes. Irs Its nitrates, which both harms fish and accelerates algae growth. Also it adds back minerals and such the fish and plants need.

[@lllchendavidlll]

@@trudeaumustgo1920 Firstly, nitrates are relatively harmless to fish. I think it's widely accepted that

[@trudeaumustgo1920]

Watched many many videos on youtube about fish breeders and their fish room, Gary lang being a top one, promotes changing water. Hes been keeping fish for like 50 years. 20ppm is fine sure, but if you never change the water that will creep up fast, especially on new fish keepers that over feed. Also depending HOW your fertilizing, its suggested by the company to do a weekly water change.

[@fanerinaarts666]

Állati jó ez a videó (is)! Egy élmény végignézni és hallgatni :) Rengeteg fontos információ, és szórakoztató előadás módban. Köszönjük Balázs! és köszönet az egész Green Aqua-nak hogy létezik és itt van nekünk!!

[@GreenAquaShop]

Köszönjük a visszajelzést, egy picit talán erős volt az üzenet, de tényleg tömegével kapjuk a hasonló eseteket, ami kb a videóban látható okok miatt jelentkezik. 😃 Balázsnál kinyitották a pofonos ládát 😂 Köszi, hogy követtek, hogy támogattok minket. Nélkületek ez a csatorna sem létezne. 🙏

[@fanerinaarts666]

@@GreenAquaShop nekem tetszett az üzenet, a pofonos ládának pedig néha muszáj nyílnia, mert túl sok a Föld hátán az ostobaság. Nagyon sokat adtok nekünk, köszönjük Nektek!

[@neondinosaur912]

Was searching videos about algea.. Very good info given and that indian bgm gave me peace of mind. Thank you!

[@GreenAquaShop]

You're welcome. Cheers!

[@_raj-jn3yh]

Mr. Amano would be real proud of you BF...you are one of the best aquascapers I know....

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thanks so much for your kind words, I don't think we can be mentioned on the same page though.

[@_raj-jn3yh]

@@GreenAquaShop 😄😅

[@dreadedmotherrojas4667]

You could never be boring! 🤣😂 Hola from Utah USA! Thanks for all your wisdom

[@banderasbandita]

Nagyon jól ismertetted a dolgot ! Köszönöm szépen a videót , segítséget !

[@GreenAquaShop]

Köszönjük a visszajelzést 😃

[@henriquepatricio6252]

I must admit when i started to watch u, wasnt quite sure what to make but thanks to you and your videos(full of information) i want to start aquascaping now thanks keep up the good work 🙏

[@GreenAquaShop]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching us, and let us know if you have further questions. Good luck with your first scape!

[@barbarafelcan8012]

Really informative, thanks for all your comments on Algae control aquarium looked great again such useful tips thank you.

[@cannondale97]

I think the most important question for new hobbyists is how much time are they able/willing to spend each week doing maintenance? A lot of times newbies come into aquascaped tanks after they see a beautifully scaped tank but did not carefully consider the time and effort required to maintain the scape over a LONG period of time. After some time they either grow lazy or are too busy with other commitments and neglect their tanks, leading to algae issues. They eventually give up after trying to fix the problem without success over a period of time. That's why i always recommend newbies to start off with low tech non CO2 tanks first to see if they're able to do a good job before proceeding to high tech CO2 enriched tanks. That way they will have a good idea of the amount of time and effort needed before jumping into high tech tanks, thereby ensuring a higher rate of success and retention in the hobby. Maybe you guys can do a tank with only hardscape to show that you can also have a beautiful tank/scape without the need to have aquatic plants or have only floating plants. That way you can inspire and also educate customers that such tanks require even less maintenance and thereby give them more options to suit their lifestyles. You guys and George Farmer is doing a great job in inspiring people all over the world to take up this hobby! Keep up the good work!!

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thank you White Knight. This is exactly what we're doing in the shop too. Asking each time about the client life habits. What is the goal etc. We talk about each direction advantages and disadvantages too. This way they know from day 1 what they are facing with. Still sometimes life is just changing your plans. Broke up, had to move to a new flat, family issues, health problems etc. Of course these are much larger things and may significantly change your life. On demo tanks our goal is to show the best. And honestly i think hardscape tanks are not the easiest ones too to make that pristine. But you're right everyone should have more information at the beginning what commitments needs to make whatever direction they choose. This is not about buying all kinds of equipment and you're done. Running cost, dedicated time etc still comes after that. Thanks for your feedback. Appreciate for that. 👍

[@drpritamsms]

Nice video.. Agree with u on almost all things.. Have been maintaining aquariums as a hobby since last 30 years, can't stress enough on water changes.. That itself reduces a lot of algae Nice work..

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thanks, glad you agree - your experience is vast! Cheers.

[@NormZylstra]

question: We have "Green Beard Algae?" growing on our Java and Christmas mosses. Seems to be a result of the 'high light' and inconsistent CO2. Must the students remove the algae covered mosses or if we care for our water correctly will the algae die off/ go away and we can keep the mosses attached to the wood? Excellent film. You have a very useful pedagogy. As a middle school art teacher I teach that aquarium care is a community and lifestyle. Students love to watch life.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Cheers, glad you like our way of presentation Norm. Try clithon corona snails agains BBA and amano shrimp against GBA.

[@NormZylstra]

@@GreenAquaShop more than 'like', it is effective teaching. You're a natural professor.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thanks so much!

[@skeeterno1]

Great topic again! It's really a shame people give up this beautiful hobby because of the difficulties caused by algae. To me algae problem is more like a puzzle that I want to solve, this is the very interesting escence of this "profession". I've been running three tanks for quite a while, strangely enough I only have (major) issues with the biggest one geared by real high-tech stuffs (ADA lights, double filtration with EHEIM 2215 and Hydor Prime 10 with Seachem Matrix media, pressurized CO2 system), but it's a great occupation and learning path to figure out what the root cause of the issue could be, I am never giving it up for sure. :) The other two aquariums of mine are just perfect. :) Balázs, I really like your professional presentation skills, it really shows you have very solid background of a TV director, these epidodes are no way boring.

[@GreenAquaShop]

We're all different. Some would like to solve problems, fix things, learn more why it is not working and how to make it better or be better next time. Others may just follow the different advises without learning the whole story. We all enjoy different things in this hobby, but we've seen some people feel alga is a disaster and they worried to take the gloves and fight with it. We use it as a sign/feedback - something needs to be fixed. Some people feel that it is a failure and no way out. So if this video helps them to show the light we reach our goal. :) - Viktor I am sure Balazs will be happy about your comment. Thank you for that 👍

[@faceofhypershiba3622]

I almost gave up and lost hope. You got me off my ass. All I needed was 2 hours after weeks of neglect to trim all the bad leaves, take out rotting material, and scrape as much algae off my 55g tank. Now it looks wonderful and I will be back on track. Thanks.

[@adrianjester2226]

Hi thank you for the video. Couldnt hear properly on one part. What is that thing you press and makes the tank oxygen rich?

[@GreenAquaShop]

Twinstar steriliser.

[@adrianjester2226]

@@GreenAquaShop thank you so much! U guys really inspire me. I just did my first aquascape already thinking for a second

[@GreenAquaShop]

Very good! I'm sure you'll do better and better very nice scapes in the future.

[@markusferguson2985]

What a succinct, clear... and pleasantly entertaining presentation. Nice. Thanks

[@GreenAquaShop]

Glad you liked this, thanks for watching and thanks for the feedback!

[@mr.peekaboo1186]

I love the way you express your idea, brother.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Cheers brother, thanks!

[@setesuper4611]

You guys are realy the best ones! Great vídeo, even in the worst situation bring us a lot information and still show the beatifull word of aquascaping! Thanks, again.

[@GreenAquaShop]

You are welcome, really glad you liked this. Stay tuned for more from us!

[@danielbolf7896]

I guess because I’m a “ newbie” to planted tanks,but I honestly can say that I’ve never seen one that I haven’t liked! Even when you pros say ,” Well, this can be different and that can be better,” I think,” DAMN! I thought that tank was gorgeous!” Lol!! I guess your “ugliest “ tanks, are still the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. Keep up the great art!

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thanks so much Daniel, you are absolutely right. The underwater nature is beautiful, no matter who says what. There are many levels in aquarium design of course, and one strives to get as professional as possible, but even the simplest aquariums bring a lot of joy to their owners, I know that from my own experience, I had fish even in my childhood.

[@ADUAquascaping]

I agree that my plants are always primo in soft water. I had a top off valve fail and flooded my Apt. So I currently use tap water haha. Hey we both know many of these issues come about from inconsistency. Thanks for the entertainment. Well done!

[@GreenAquaShop]

Hey ADU, exactly for that reason we have an overflow added to our RO cannister, regardless of the top off valve. If it fails we just waste water, but no further damage. It is highly recommended to have that...

[@ADUAquascaping]

@@GreenAquaShop good idea. I will make a small one for my place

[@josmellcas4384]

Gracias, buena información y precisos. A mejorar cada día y equilibrar mi acuario. Muchas gracias desde Perú.

[@GreenAquaShop]

You are welcome, glad you found this useful.

[@calixtopereira9730]

Conteúdo maravilhoso, como sempre mostrando a realidade, parabéns greenaqua

[@GreenAquaShop]

Cheers, glad you found this useful! Good luck in your fight with algae. Cheers.

[@nandanu9795]

Great job.. you described complex algae problems in simple words. A pleasure to watch your videos

[@GreenAquaShop]

That is cool to read, thanks for the support!

[@BlueWaters]

I’m scared 😱 - and omg hilarious too. I’m very new to the hobby and I guess I fall into the Alt category, hoping to get by with little filtration. I have DIY co2 as well - making my tanks more susceptible to algae. But I love maintaining my tanks & after carefully listening to a Mr Farmer vlog a few months ago I try to do something in the complicated system daily. I only have a medium size sponge filter and powerhead and I’ve covered the intake on the powerhead with sponge as well, in a very Alt stance “I’m different” DIY kinda way. The tank is a 40 gallon breeder & my filtration is weak in most people’s opinion. If it becomes an issue I can upgrade. But by doing simple things like trimming, scraping and changing the circulation pattern by moving hardscape and/or some denser planted areas and adjusting where the powerhead flows so there are no dead spots in the tank I mostly have a handle on the algae...mostly 😱😱. Getting a water testing kit & learning what the results mean and what to do about abnormalities are probably helping. And just being at the tank and paying attention to it probably has some effect. And not in a magical or psychological “I’m one with nature” way, but in the more practical way that I’m aware of issues as they develop & before they get out of control. I’m new, 9 months now, into the hobby & you won’t find me offering advice, I’m more trying to get a question answered, on a video or stream. As an outsider, and being green 🤷🏻‍♂️ in the hobby, I think KZbin invites or promotes competition and a fight for influence. I think both camps agree Algae is the main reason people leave the hobby and this video is full of great information I hadn’t been exposed to, like how ammonia/light contribute to algae. And it’s very entertaining content!

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thanks for your appraisal Blue Waters. I do not really believe in this "two camps" idea though. As I said everybody will try to praise their own ways and try to convert you to their style. We are no exception, but we recognize that algae-free tanks can be operated on sponge filters and DIY CO2. We just do not encourage anybody to do so, because it's a more difficult way to do. It is possible though, many have done it. On the other hand I - Balazs - am a big DIY fan enemy. 😊 Please please don't hate me for that. 😇My moto is, spend more time on finding out what it takes to create a beautiful layout and a stunning aquarium than figuring out the workings of CO2 and filtering, and spending less time on maintenance. I have to add that I have a huge respect to all of you guys who are into putting things together yourselves - I myself do some DIY stuff from time-to-time, and my friends say I have an eye for these things. But still consider it a waste of time. Again, this is a personal opinion, no pun intended! Please do not attack me for this, I really do not wish to open a discussion about this here. We are not fighting for influence here, we are informing and entertaining and hoping that all aquascaping youtube channels grow together with us, most of the guys are our friends, who we personally know and have drank more then once together. 😂 I think I am the most practical guy at Green Aqua. When I mentioned our relationship to nature I really had all those people (customers and fellow aquascapers whom I spoke to in the past) in my mind, who did commit mistakes not because they were unpractical, but because they had an approach that just didn't help them find the right practical solutions to their problems. Again. Find the root cause - which is theoretic - and then address it - which is practical. That's what I meant.

[@BlueWaters]

Green Aqua I’m sorry, very sorry. I was praising the video & probably went too far with my response. I was trying to point out I’ve used techniques from aquascapers to control algae & that I’m too new to have strong opinions one way or another. I also intended to make fun of myself too as I was raised by hippies. My experience with social media is limited because I don’t communicate well and unintentionally make people uncomfortable. I can delete the comment. I’ve watched the video 3 times now and I think it’s awesome. 👈🏻 is probably all I should have said. And I’m truly DIY for a $ reason. I will definitely be upgrading to pressurize CO2 as soon as possible. Mostly though I’m sorry. I have no problem taking the comment down if it’s going to be perceived as in any way hostile.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Blue Waters please do not say very sorry. We're here to enjoy the hobby, have some good conversation. Shows other aspects too. Sometimes the written words sounds strange. We wish we could have a beer with most of you, and have a good time meanwhile sharing different experiences. Thanks for your comments and we appreciate your thoughts. Cheers - Viktor

[@BlueWaters]

@Green Aqua Thank you. I re-read your response and I probably mis-understood because I rushed and took it all a bit too serious. I just joined a facebook group and there are plenty of users openly disagreeing and without conflict. I'll get the first round 🍺🍻🍺

[@drmpilot365]

I dropped my water temperature from 81 degrees down to 77 degrees. That helped a lot. I had spiked the temperature when I was treating it for ich and forgot to bring down the temperature afterwards.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Yeah, warm water causes algae.

[@riderstrong6397]

your in my book mark Dude........Love from America....

[@GreenAquaShop]

Cheers man, thanks for the support!

[@koushikvijayakumar4281]

Awesome explanation to get rid of algae...Please advise can we use heater in planted aquarium...Thanks in advance...

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thank you :) If you keep fishes which need high temperatures, then sure go with a heater. But then select plants accordingly. Otherwise better to target 24-25 Celsius and then you can select almost every plant. This water temp works for almost all popular fish. We do not use heaters. As our room temp is around 22 Celsius. If your room temp is very low, then add in for safety. Otherwise better to just not use it.

[@koushikvijayakumar4281]

@@GreenAquaShop well explained Sir... Thanks for ur time...

[@N47H4NI3L]

I paused this video halfway through, got up and vacuumed my tank. Good Video!

[@GreenAquaShop]

Haha. Did you finish watching it though?

[@N47H4NI3L]

@@GreenAquaShop of course! After a thorough clean and inspection (no algae taste testing though) I came back and finished the video 😁

[@GreenAquaShop]

Haha, thanks for watching!

[@dredayfolife]

Thank you Sir. I just made a really nice planted Tank, but i have this problem. Ill start these tricks of the trade asap.

[@GreenAquaShop]

So great Andre, hope for you to be able to get rid of algae soon. Cheers. 🙏🏻👍🏻

[@shesellsfish]

Love the video. Love how you take no shit from the haters and how you are not afraid to be open and truthful about...don't blame others, and stop being lazy. Love it! Address the problem, not the symptoms...always good advice in any situation.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thank you for your lovely feedback ShelbyRae Lane. We're glad you got the good message out of it. We do our best to support the hobby and appreciate that we have such a great community here. Thanks again. 😉 👍

[@krishnendubanerjee2778]

Watching your aquarium videos is more entertaining because of watching you in it. You are a nice person Balazs. A nice person is the first requirement for doing something nice. Thanks again for entertaining us. And, lastly, a beautiful background Indian classical music that matches the situation and transformation of the tank.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thanks for your kind words Krishnendu Banerjee, I'm glad you like my style. But for me, it is the aquascaping and hopefully the beautiful aquariums, that will ultimately keep all the viewers here on the channel, and not me. I really like to stay in the background, and let others have some nice words on the channel, like Filipe now, or Jurijs, or George or Adam, or Viktor, or Tomy or event he aquagirls, who are coming to do something soon. Cheers.

[@yugeaquaponics8590]

i love the background music too.. and the pep talk.....hummmm....words of wisdom indeed

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thank you YuGe Aquaponics 👍

[@srajansuvarna164]

The FLUTE at the Start of the video is just AMAZInGGG...

[@GreenAquaShop]

😊 🙏

[@pdv3526]

You-neighbor-are thorough with great explanations. You should have more subscribers than listed especially those who are fish enthusiasts. Great video!

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thanks neighbour. 😉 We are actually happy with the number of subscribers at the moment, with us being at 3K only just a few months ago. It's growing like crazy. ✈️ Thanks for your appreciation. 😊

[@Simoneemilie]

I absolutely love this video😂 I often find myself returning to this video whenever algae is making my life a living hell, like now!

[@tickets23]

Good hillarious information. I loved his comments about the bad guys always being negitive. Iwill have to watch this video several times to get all the information to sink in

[@GreenAquaShop]

Great Kaneu! Thanks for watching and glad you liked it, stay tuned for more content from us.

[@edstaart8548]

Explained like a pro Balazs well done. I think not only being lazy causes alge but also the regulation of your maintenance is important, try to do the same every week or so, like you clean your toilet; don't wait till its visible dirty clean it when you know it should be cleaned. You can wait till bacteria clean it all but by that time your neighbors called some authority about health issues and it's nasty to look at. I think you should take care of your tank like you take care of yourself .

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thanks for that Ed! You are absolutely right. We never (!) wait for problems to appear before doing the maintenance. We do the maintenance regularly, period. Also, when we see the problem we try to find the reason and try to eliminate that, and then the tank will get a regular (!) increased attention for days and weeks until we can loosen up, back to the normal routine.

[@edstaart8548]

Green Aqua Amen! Keep up the good work and have fun with it!

[@GreenAquaShop]

We will, thanks. :) Keep watching! :)