A. Algae can be a major pest in the small confines of the aquarium, or even in nature in copious amounts. Algae blooms may sky-rocket due to a number of factors in the ecosystem, but the main cause is usually a dirty un-kept tank, where organic waste and chemicals are allowed to rise to un-sanitary levels. Though proper regular maintenance of the aquarium can go a long way in keeping algae at bay, as long as there is water, and a healthy aquatic environment able to sustain life, you will still get some algae growth. This is why it is imperative that a tank be regularly maintained, as in the smaller confines of the aquarium, waste and algae loving chemicals such as phosphates and iron, will get to noxious levels in a short time, and may trigger a bloom. The prevention of algae is easy to control, however solving it once algae becomes a problem, is a much more difficult and time-staking process.