Excessive food debris, organic material and especially algae control in a marine aquarium has long been a highly sought after answer. It is even increasingly more important in the keeping of a marine reef aquarium as excessive detritus and algae growth can and will compete with corals causing health issues.

Some algae in the aquarium can be a good thing. Algae are beneficial to the aquatic ecosystem in several ways. First and foremost it is a food source to many of the animals (especially herbivores) living in the aquarium providing nutrients and fiber. Algae also provide oxygen to the water and take up carbon dioxide (the respiration waste product from the animals). Finally, it utilizes (absorbs) nitrates, which are the final end product of the nitrogen cycle – an ever important biological function and filtration process occurring in the closed system of an aquarium.

There are many forms of algae, usually falling into 4 color categories; green, blue-green, red and brown and all grow in response to nutrients and light. The color of algae growing will indicate the types of nutrients and light spectrum feeding it.

Chemical means to control algae can be touchy as any adverse chemical in the water could damage the corals and fish in the aquarium. Mechanical means work fine however over time it becomes a tiring routine. Natural methods can be a nice balance if maintained properly. Nature has provided us with lots of help in the form of debris scavengers and algae eating animals (fish, snails, crabs, urchins, starfish and shrimp). The following list of animals can be extremely beneficial in helping to maintain a pristine environment and interesting to watch at the same time

Remember to always research any animal before purchasing. Many of these organisms are very specialized. Make sure that after all the debris and algae are gone, that the organism you added will not starve or start eating items in the tank that you don’t want eaten.