If you have a marine aquarium, chances are you've had to deal with some form of nuisance algae growth in your tank at some point. And they're probably either hair algae, red slime algae and diatoms. Here are some ways to put in some proper algae control in place if you're still dealing with these algae.

We will nip this problem in the bud by cutting of their food source. Mainly, nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) and lighting. Lets start with lighting. As aquarium bulbs get older, they tend to move slightly into the red spectrum. Red light and hair algae, red slime algae and diatoms get along very well. It will increases algae growth tremendously in an aquarium so if your bulbs are older than 6 months then its time to change them. Lowering the aquariums daily photoperiod will also help. If you kept the tank lights on for 8 hours try reducing them to 4 or 5 for a week or two.

Nitrates and phosphates are the two nutrients that act as fertilizer to these algae. They come from rotting material, fish waste and uneaten fish food. So it is important to begin siphoning this stuff out of the tank. And maintain the tanks cleanliness through the course of a month. It takes that long to deal a death blow to most nuisance algae.

Once that is done take a reading on the nitrates present and begin water changes to lower that level. You want to aim for something like 10 mg's nitrate. Nothing higher. With phosphates it is much easier. There are many phosphate removal products on the market today and they really work well. Follow the instructions and place the needed amount in the tank and your phosphate readings should read blank in a day or two.

There are either aluminum or iron based phosphate removers. Some aquarists have had issues with the aluminum ones but personally they've both worked well in my aquariums. I do tend to go for seachem (aluminum based) as they are somewhat cheaper than iron based PO4 removers.

In the course of a month, ensure that the tank is clean and you should remove as much red slime algae or hair algae whenever it pops up. Keep this up and algae growth will be stopped dead in its tracks with this regiment of algae control.