Algae aren't plants, they're colonies of identical non-specialized cells
that are considered to be in another Kingdom, the Protictista. Because
they're simpler and deal immediately with their environment, they can grow
more quickly than true plants under certain circumstances like elevated
light and nutrient levels. The plants, however, can usually do better with
both lesser light and nutrients (as a broad rule...). Once plants get going
they can shade much of the water and block light to the algaes who are then
at a disadvantage. Good aquarium maintenance such as regular water changes
will help the plants, too; although once you have a well-established plant
community the system is closer to self-regulating.
--Bruce Stallsmith
Huntsville, AL
(where both mushrooms and flowers are in bloom!)
_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
/"Unless stated otherwise, comments made on this list do not necessarily
/ reflect the beliefs or goals of the North American Native Fishes
/ Association"
/ This is the discussion list of the North American Native Fishes Association
/ nanfa_at_aquaria.net. To subscribe, unsubscribe, or get help, send the word
/ subscribe, unsubscribe, or help in the body (not subject) of an email to
/ nanfa-request_at_aquaria.net. For a digest version, send the command to
/ nanfa-digest-request_at_aquaria.net instead.
/ For more information about NANFA, visit our web page, http://www.nanfa.org
</x-flowed>