The algae multiply very fast. Depending on their colour, the water turns green, blue, red, or brown. Algal cell counts in the water exceed 5 million per litre. The algae can damage the fish by suffocation as they take the available oxygen for photosynthesis or by clogging the gills with algae to function poorly.
Factors Impacting Algae Growth
The light stimulates algae growth, allowing them to multiply and cover surfaces in the tank like glass, rocks, and decorations. Sunlight exposure impacts algae growth. If the tank gets direct sunlight or excessive lighting, it creates ideal conditions for algae overgrowth.
Cultivation and Nutrient Recycling
If waste is algae food, it recycles nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen astronauts can potentially eat. This could help resource-limited countries interested in using algae for waste removal.
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Algae reproduce quickly. Algae grow by regeneration, a form of sexual reproduction. Optimal conditions allow extremely fast doubling, even hourly. However, growth slows or stops without ideal conditions.
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Direct sunlight destroys algae. Algae require one-tenth normal plant sunlight. Floating plants like lilies reduce sunlight, controlling algae. Submerged plants release oxygen, impacting algae growth.
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Waste recycles algae nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. This benefits resource-limited countries using algae removing waste. Astronauts will test an innovative, algae-powered bioreactor assessing feasibility for long space missions.
Conclusion
Algae reproduce quickly, even hourly with optimal conditions. However, growth slows or stops without ideal conditions.