Cleaning Algae on Glass Feeds Your Corals
Why Cleaning Your Aquarium Glass Is Good for Your Corals
If you've noticed a brown film building up on the inside of your aquarium glass, don't worry. It's completely normal and one of the easiest parts of your regular aquarium maintenance.
In fact, cleaning your glass doesn't just improve visibility. It also benefits the reef ecosystem inside your Living Oceans aquarium.
What Is the Brown Film on the Glass?
The brown coating is a type of algae that naturally develops in marine aquariums. Most of the time, it forms as a thin film on the glass and can be easily removed during routine cleaning.
For lighter buildup, use the magnetic glass cleaner.
If the algae has become thicker or more stubborn, switch to the scraper to remove the remaining patches.
Does Cleaning the Glass Harm the Corals?
Not at all.
As you clean the glass, you're releasing tiny particles of algae and beneficial bacteria into the water. While it might look like you're making the water dirtier, you're actually providing a natural food source for your corals.
Corals don't just rely on light to photosynthesise. They also filter feed, capturing these tiny particles from the water.
So in a way, cleaning the glass is also feeding your corals.
How Often Should You Clean the Glass?
We recommend cleaning the aquarium glass twice a week.
Regular cleaning helps:
- keep the glass clear
- prevent algae from becoming difficult to remove
- provide an extra source of nutrition for your corals
A few minutes of maintenance each week helps keep your aquarium looking its best while supporting a healthy reef ecosystem.
What About the Filter Chamber?
During larger maintenance tasks, such as replacing carbon or carrying out a water change, you'll naturally disturb some of the beneficial bacteria living in the filter chamber.
This is completely normal.
Just like when cleaning the glass, those bacteria enter the water column where your corals can filter feed on them.
You don't need to disturb the filter media intentionally. It only happens naturally during routine maintenance, typically every two to three months when performing a water change.
A Healthy Aquarium Is an Active Ecosystem
Every part of your Living Oceans aquarium works together. Even simple maintenance tasks play a role in supporting the ecosystem.
Cleaning the glass isn't just about keeping your view crystal clear. It's another way to help your corals thrive while maintaining a balanced, healthy reef.
Thanks for watching.