In this blog, we will talk about how to get rid of algae in fish tanks. Yep, the nasty and annoying stuff that no aquarist wants to see taking over their fish tank. The grimy stuff that makes a tank look ugly and neglected.
Let’s jump in.
How to Get Rid of Algae in a Fish Tank: What is it Anyway?
First, a little about the nasty fist tank algae. What is it exactly?
Well, that nasty looking stuff stuck to the glass of the tank, growing on your fish tank ornaments, and elsewhere, are colonies of tiny microorganisms. And, if not controlled and taken care of correctly, these little microorganisms can really do a number on a tank and create an unhealthy environment for your aquatic life. Not only that, it will make your tank look disgusting. And, nobody likes a gross looking fish tank.
The thing about fish tank algae is that there are many different types. And different types of these algae often require different methods for elimination.
Below you can learn more about algae types and how to get rid of algae in a fish tank based on algae type.
How to Get Rid of Algae: The Types
Below are some of the most common types of fish tank algae. If you will notice, many of the algae types below are caused by different mechanisms and therefore require different treatment methods.
Brown Algae
I’ve dealt with this type of algae a time or two. This is a nasty type of algae that can grow on the glass of your fish tank. It can also cover ornaments in your aquarium. And it often comes from an imbalance of the biofilter in your tank.
This type of algae can emerge in newer tanks. Once the tank is properly cycled, however, and the biofilter is going strong, tank owners will often see these algae die. After the algae dies, it can simply be cleaned out of the tank with a siphon.
It’s ugly, no doubt, but it’s not as bad as some of the other algae. In short, to get rid of this algae, just work on the biofilter in your tank and do your aquarium water changes correctly.
Red Algae
This algae usually grows in a tank when there are excessive waste issues. It will grow in bushy colonies around the edges of plants. And, it can be a pain to get rid of algae such as this.
To get rid of this type of algae in a fish tank, you’ll need to clean your tank very well. Clean the gravel, ornaments, and do water changes. You may also consider using algaecide to tackle the problem of red algae.
Common Green Algae
This is an algae that will start out growing on an ornament or a plant, and then you might end up seeing it on the gravel as well. However, common green algae have a pretty easy fix. Just use a high-quality algaecide and be done with it. I’d suggest water changes with this one, too.
Diatom Algae
I’ve had experience with this annoying little algae. You may also have. Diatom algae is that algae that will start as a dark spot or two on your fish tank’s glass. It takes sandpaper and a good arm workout to remove this stuff. Also, I hate it.
It usually comes about as a result of too much light.
To get rid of algae such as diatom algae, you will want to use an algaecide. It’s also suggested that you do regular water changes. And, depending on the aquatic life you are keeping, a catfish or plecostomus could help take care of this annoying growth in your tank.
Note: If you have blue crayfish in your fish tank, you won’t want to get a pleco unless you have a bigger tank (50-gallon tank or more). And, even then, there’s no guarantee that he won’t become crayfish food. Remember, crayfish will take out many freshwater fish that swim on the bottom of fish tanks.
Using Algaecide to Get Rid of Algae in a Fish Tank
Using algaecide to get rid of algae in a fish tank can work very well. It can also be tricky, though.
When using algaecide, you want to make sure that you follow the instructions directly as they are stated on the label. Also, clean your tank before using an algaecide.
As algae die off in the tank, sometimes you will see it accumulating in the gravel on the bottom of the tank and elsewhere. At this point, take a siphon and get it out of the tank. This will keep it from spreading around the tank and clogging up your filter.
Get Rid of Aglae with the Green Killing Machine
The Green Killing Machine to combat algae makes life a whole lot easier for aquarists. There’s nothing complicated to put together and there are no harsh chemicals involved with this option.
So how does the Green Killing Machine eliminate algae from a fish tank?
The pump works by using a built-in UV light. The pump’s UV technology works to eliminate impurities and unwanted microorganisms.
Personally, I’ve heard nothing but great things about this option for getting rid of algae in a tank.
Read the reviews of the Green Killing Machine.
Getting Rid of Algae in a Fish Tank: Prevention
There are a few things you can do to help prevent the overgrowth of algae.
Aquarium Placement Can Curb Algae Overgrowth
Where you place your fish tank in your home can have a significant impact on algae growth. If it’s in the line of direct sunlight, you might have an issue with algae. This happened to me with my first fish tank that was only a 10-gallon fish tank. It took me forever to get that tank back to normal. So, be and sure and find the right spot for your aquarium—one that is away from sunlight.
Additionally, if you have real plants and artificial lighting, do not run the lighting nonstop. Keep the lights on for no more than 8 to 10 hours (whether you have plants or not). Leaving the lights on for longer than that can promote the growth of algae in the fish tank.
Water Changes Help Prevent and Get Rid of Algae
Cleaning your fish tank and doing regular water changes can help cut down on unwanted algae growth. Remember, water changes vary based on tank size and the aquatic life being kept in a tank.
I have a crayfish in my 20-gallon fish tank, a rainbow shark, and a neon tetra. It doesn’t sound like much, but because of the amount of waste that the crayfish puts out, I do 25% water changes at least every two weeks. Also, I monitor my tank. If I notice that the water is looking dirtier than usual or see algae in the gravel, I’ll vacuum out and change the water earlier.
Feeding Your Fish Right
And here it is, overfeeding. Overfeeding fish can be a massive problem for some fish keepers, especially beginners. Overfeeding is the number one cause of algae overgrowth in fish tanks. So, simply put, don’t overfeed your fish.
Decaying and rotting food is not suitable for your tank’s water and can quickly promote algae growth.
How to Get Rid of Algae in a Fish Tank: A Recap
Remember, many types of algae can affect a fish tank. Also, how to get rid of algae in a fish tank can often depend on the type of algae. If you have algae overgrowth, try to identify the type of algae before treating it. Otherwise, you might just be spinning your wheels.
Bottom line, I say the best approach to algae in fish tanks is prevention. Take the steps necessary to keep your tank healthy, and you can reduce the impact of algae growth in your aquarium.