Hey there! I've kept aquariums for years, and the substrate color debate is a classic. In my experience, darker substrates don't necessarily reduce algae by absorbing light. Algae thrive on nutrients and light, regardless of substrate color.

Funny story – I once had a tank with a black substrate, thinking it'd curb algae growth. But nope, it turned into an algae fest! Then, I tried a white sand substrate in another tank. Interestingly, it didn't make much difference in algae growth either. What really made a difference was controlling nutrients and light.

So, in my over-the-years wisdom, focus more on maintaining a balanced tank. Regular water changes, appropriate lighting, and not overfeeding are your best bets against algae. Happy fishkeeping!

 

Good tips.

Thank you.

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Also type of light and duration. Tank near direct sunlight, algae is increased.

 

Hopefully, this won’t be too much of a challenge. The aquarium is going in a room with 9 4 foot windows. They all have blinds, and I already keep some of the blinds closed, but I might have to close more once the aquarium arrives.

Also... getting an aquarium in the Spring might be a challenge with the extra sunlight. Hopefully, I’ll have a good handle on tank maintenance once Summer rolls around.

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Agree IME substrate color does not impact algae growth.

Sunlight will have an impact, but much less than tank lights. My tanks face 2 tall windows but they are across the room and the windows are shaded by a porch roof. Faces west. I get a little algae, but manageable.

One end of one tank is very close to the window...that end gets a fair amount of algae.

 

Helgga (above) gives very good advice. As a longtime fish keeper and gardener, it's appropriate to consider the larger ecosystem regarding algae. Algae is a natural growth and inevitable in aquatic environments. It is also a food source for many fish, including African Mbuna. In the past, I would wipe away algae grown on the glass aquarium top and discard the paper towel. The LED lamp sitting directly on the glass, provides a good source of light for algae growth (and unsuccessful planted materials which the fish eagerly devour). Now, I use a rough, plastic scratch pad to wipe the algae and then place it into the aquarium, where the Mbuna pick it clean, enjoying the nutrients. Algae formed on glass walls is easy to control without chemicals. It will also grow on rocks, plastic plants, etc. I've come to accept this as part of a more natural ecosystem. My tank looks neat and clean, the fish are healthy. I conduct water changes upon measured chemical data not a calendar. Zero death or disease in over two years now. Happy fish!

 

I have only ever found algae caused by excessive nutrients, too much light or not enough CO2.
I doubt very much substrate colour would have a noticeable effect.

Too much light is easy to deal with. Turn the tank lights on for a shorter time. Natural light can be filtered or blocked.
Excessive nutrients more often than not are caused by over feeding - again easy to solve.

Lack of CO2 can be countered as well.

Personally I have found live plants that are healthy and growing keep algae in check - they are feeding on many of the same nutrients. If plants are struggling its often due to a lack of CO2. Bring that in balance and the plants take the nutrients the algae needs. (Before anyone jumps in, there ARE plants that can survive being in cichlid tanks).

CO2 set ups can be expensive. Personally I use a liquid additive. For my situation it has worked very well.

 

Yes, darker substrates can reduce algae growth by absorbing more light. Darker surfaces tend to absorb and retain heat, creating a less favorable environment for algae to thrive. This inhibits photosynthesis, a process crucial for algae development. Choosing a darker substrate for your aquatic environment can be an effective strategy to minimize algae-related issues and maintain a balanced ecosystem in aquariums or ponds.

 

I have not found this to be true.

 

**** no. I've been using black gravel in most of my tanks for at least the last 20 years (the few that don't have it are pool filter sand). Makes zero difference, they get just as much algae as any other tank.