Algae are some of the oldest living things on Earth. Without them, life would not have been able to begin. They can change and don’t waste much. When higher plants have been weak for a long time, algae fill in the gaps in the ecosystem and feed on nutrients to grow. Often one hears: “There is algae in my aquarium, but my water values are good . It is important to remember that the water quality is good because of the algae, not because of them. If there were no algae, the whole aquarium system would have been overturned long ago.
Generally there are algae in every functioning biotope – the mass makes the problem. So you dont have to act against every algae, no matter how small. Without them the aquarium biology would be very unstable and not worth living for the inhabitants. What I want to know is if I can live with a thin layer of green patina on my decoration or does everything have to look like it has been licked? Patina looks more natural, and it is better for the inhabitants if there are a few algae around. It’s also necessary to let go of our human standards of cleanliness, or at least not make them the most important thing. Instead, we need to pay attention to the biotope as a whole system. Turn one factor and the whole system changes!.
This can be seen beautifully in the interaction of light, nutrients and CO2. Our aquatic plants need all three factors for good growth. If one thing is missing or only slightly present, the plants can’t keep growing, and the algae take advantage of the nutrient or light peaks that happen as a result. Lets assume we have an aquarium in which everything is running properly so far. We have no CO2 fertilization, our plants are relatively undemanding and grow even without it. We do not fertilize. Our relatively strong stocking and feeding bring in enough nutrients for our plants. The lighting is not the youngest anymore, but all in all the system is running. The plants grow slowly, but they grow, and there are no noticeable algae carpets. We’re going to “do something good” for our plants now by hanging one of the new LED lights over the tank. They need less power, so we treat ourselves to a higher light output. And now the algae take over . green absorbent cotton spreads in the aquarium and takes on gigantic proportions.
What happened? The nutrient level was adjusted to the low light output. Just all of a sudden, there is too much light in this system for the plants to use. This is because they don’t have enough nutrients. They are no longer competition for the algae, and the algae take over the tank.
Algae are basically just a sign. If you only fight the algae and don’t get to the root of the problem, you will either have the same algae problems over and over (which can be very frustrating) or the biotope aquarium will lose its balance and fall over. Most algaecides, i. e. Invertebrate aquariums don’t allow anti-algae agents because they are very dangerous for shrimp, crabs, snails, and mussels as well as algae.
Algae eaters like amano shrimp and fish can live in nano aquariums, but only if the algae are removed first. Once the algae are gone, the algae eaters still need food, which can be a problem with the racing snails or mermaid snails that are often recommended. As a remedy we recommend the AlgeaPlates, which are also used in our plant. Different kinds of algae have grown over the earth’s long history, which can mean different things. We will try to get a better look at the most common species and genera in this blog and give you advice on what to do about too much growth in each case.
Lets start with the unicellular diatoms (diatoms). They are often wrongly called brown algae because they are brown. But the real brown algae are only found in seawater. If you look at diatoms under the microscope, you will find fascinating shapes. They have a skeleton of silicic acid (silicate), which can take the most interesting shapes. Angular, roundish, symmetrical, those with a hole pattern, with spines . there are almost all shapes among diatoms. When diatoms get into something, they leave behind brown, sometimes fluffy coverings that can lie loosely on plants, decorations, and the base, or they can sit a little more firmly, especially on porous surfaces. These algae are particularly common in freshly set up aquariums during the run-in phase. Later, the bacteria in the filter break down a lot of the silicic acid in the water. The algae can’t use this acid to build their skeletons anymore, and they almost always go away on their own. As soon as the plants start to grow and do well, they stop giving the diatoms nutrients and other things they need to stay alive. There are usually no more diatoms in an aquarium that is running well and where the ecosystem has settled down and is in balance. For the vast majority of aquarium inhabitants, diatoms are also a favorite food. Researchers who looked at what shrimp and snails ate in the wild found that they ate a lot of diatoms every day. Especially racing snails, staghorn snails and anthracite cup snails are extremely good diatom eaters. But Red Fire, Yellow Fire, and all the other species of Neocaridina shrimp like to eat diatoms too. So do bee shrimp, tiger shrimp, Amano shrimp, and all the other species of Caridina shrimp.
In principle, you can simply wait out a diatom infestation or leave it to the inhabitants. You can speed up this process by adding aquatic plants that grow quickly, like nixweed, hornwort, or waterweed. Once the other plants have gotten used to the new conditions in the aquarium and are growing properly, you can take the fast-growing plants out. Loose diatom deposits can also be wonderfully vacuumed up during water changes to remove them. In next weeks blog, well be covering green algae in detail, so stay tuned!.
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Do Shrimp Really Chow Down on Diatoms? Getting to the Bottom of This Crustacean’s Diet
As an avid aquarist, I’m always deep diving into the dietary habits of my tank inhabitants One burning question I frequently field is do shrimp actively munch on diatoms? To get to the bottom of this, we’ll explore whether various shrimp species actually consume these microscopic algae
In this comprehensive article, we’ll scrutinize if and how shrimp eat diatoms. We’ll examine shrimp behaviors, habitat factors influencing their diet, and how they leverage diatoms. Let’s plunge into the captivating relationship between shrimp and diatoms!
Introducing Diatoms – Abundant Microscopic Algae
First, a quick diatom primer. Diatoms are single-celled, photosynthetic algae encased in ornate silica cell walls. Over 100,000 species exist, living in muddy and aquatic habitats worldwide. As prolific primary producers, diatoms form the foundation of many ecosystems.
They thrive in new tanks with excess silicates and phosphates. During blooms, diatoms coat surfaces in a dusty brown film. But what shrimp species actually consume these tiny algae?
Shrimp – Diverse Crustaceans With Varying Diets
Over 2,000 shrimp species inhabit fresh and saltwater environments. While small, shrimp flaunt complex behaviors and adaptations. Different species showcase unique dietary preferences based on habitat, digestive systems and food availability.
Some shrimp actively graze on biofilms, plants or algae. Others hunt small invertebrates or scavenge decaying matter. But which shrimp varieties target diatoms?
Amano Shrimp – Diatom Devouring Machines
Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata) shine brightest when it comes to diatom consumption. Hailing from Japan and Taiwan, these algae-eating machines guzzle down diatoms like mini vacuum cleaners!
Amanos actively pick clean plant leaves, decor and glass covered in these stubborn brown algae. Just one Amano can decimate a diatom bloom in days, restoring tank clarity. Their durable claws and digestive tract allow effortless diatom consumption.
Other Algae-Loving Shrimp
While Amanos reign supreme, other shrimp tear into diatoms with gusto:
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Red Cherry Shrimp – Quickly graze on biofilms and algae, including diatoms. Their small size lets themclean minute spaces.
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Ghost Shrimp – Scavengers drawn to dead plant matter also opportunistically munch on diatoms.
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Bamboo Shrimp – Use feathery fans to filter feed on floating algae, capturing passing diatoms.
So for botanically balanced tanks, consider these active algae consumers. But what about shrimp species that don’t eat diatoms?
Shrimp With No Appetite for Diatoms
Many shrimp forgo diatoms completely. Species like tigers, crystals and vampires prefer meatier foods like fish flakes or blanched veggies. Lacking specialized mouthparts or enzymes, they pass over diatoms for more protein-rich options.
Factors like distribution and life stages also influence diatom consumption. Larval or young shrimp have lower diatom needs than mature adults. And wild shrimp encounter more diatoms than commercial farm-raised varieties.
Bottom line – an individual shrimp’s tastes determines if diatoms are on the menu!
How Shrimp Benefit From Diatom Dining
Beyond availability, what unique perks make diatoms worthwhile shrimp cuisine?
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Nutrient Density – Diatoms offer essential fatty acids, protein, carbohydrates and minerals. Even their silica shells provide dietary silicon.
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Biofilm Components – Diatoms embedded in biofilms or aufwuchs represent a convenient, nourishing food source.
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Improved Water Quality – Eating diatom overgrowth prevents algae Dominance and maintains cleaner water.
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Natural Behavior – Grazing on algae-coated surfaces lets shrimp exhibit foraging instincts.
Through unique adaptations, some shrimp access the nutritional merits of diatoms. But does this common predation impact diatom ecology?
The Interconnected Roles of Shrimp and Diatoms
As primary producers, diatoms nourish entire aquatic ecosystems. However, unchecked diatom growth can be detrimental. Here shrimp play a vital role:
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Population Control – Shrimp predation prevents diatom overpopulation and dominance. Each species balances the other.
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Nutrient Regulation – Shrimp grazing keeps silicates and phosphates in check, slowing down diatom reproduction.
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Surface Cleaning – Removing excess diatom growth on leaves improves plant photosynthesis and gas exchange.
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Food Chain Links – Diatoms provide food for shrimp, which in turn feed larger predators like fish and birds.
So while shrimp feast on diatoms, their balanced coexistence upholds aquatic systems. The diverse diets and adaptations of each species leads to an interwoven, resilient food web.
Key Takeaways – Do Shrimp Really Chow Down on Diatoms?
In closing, let’s review the key facts on this classic shrimp diet dilemma:
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Amano shrimp and some others actively consume diatoms as part of their natural grazing behavior.
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Diet, digestive ability, habitat and life stage influence diatom consumption.
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Diatoms offer many nutritional benefits to shrimp when eaten in moderation.
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Shrimp predation regulates diatom blooms, supporting wider ecosystem health.
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A balance exists between diatom growth and shrimp grazing numbers.
Next time your shrimp swarm a dusty brown diatom bloom, you’ll know it’s just nature taking its course! As in any ecosystem, this give and take helps establish equilibrium and diversity.
Do Red Cherry Shrimp Eat Algae? (Black Beard, Hair, Green, Staghorn, Brown Diatom Algae)
Do algae eat diatoms?
Many algae eaters just love to eat diatoms, too, amongst them all algae-eating snails and shrimp, as well as the different species of suckermouth plecs. If you have a permanent diatom problem in your tank despite a sufficient number of algivores, you ought to check the silicate reading of your aquarium water with a water test.
Do shrimp eat algae?
You might have wondered if your little aquatic buddies, the shrimp, could lend a hand (or claw) in dealing with this green invader. Yes, shrimp do eat algae. In fact, algae make up around 70% of a shrimp’s diet, feasting on various types of algae that can grow in your aquarium. This makes them a vibrant addition to your tank and a practical one.
Do cherry shrimp eat algae?
Cherry shrimp mainly like to eat soft algae. These include brown algae, green algae, black beard algae, and hair algae. This type of algae actually consists of animals known as diatoms. You can’t see these minute creatures unless you look through a microscope. If your aquarium contains brown algae, it’s a sign of poor water quality.
Do Amano shrimp eat algae?
The Amano shrimp is such an effective algae eater that one of its common names is actually “algae eating shrimp”! With its transparent body, this species is not the most exciting to look at. Don’t let that fool you, though. It’s extremely popular due to being the go-to algae exterminator throughout the aquarium and aquascape hobbies.