Aleš Lombergar

If you look closely you will notice the algae isn’t just on the glass, but also growing on the rocks, gravel and any other decorations you have in the tank. The best and safest solution would be to get a fish that eats algae, such as a Pleco. Also, move the tank out of the sunlight to discourage algae growth. There are also some chemicals you can add to the water that lowers the phosphate levels.

Get an algae eater for the tank. The only thing they eat is the algae.

Is it near a window or under a desk lamp? You should have a small bowl filter is circulate the water to break the surface too. High levels of waste is food for algae.

You can buy algaecide at any pet store or a scrubby brush to clean the glass, and snails are good for keeping a tank clean!

The algae grows on the source of light. Fish stores will sell a product commonly called “floss”. You can take a small square of floss and gently remove the algae from the glass. Unless you add a chemical algaecide (that is safe for fish) or you block the sunlight hitting the tank, the algae will grow back. Bottom feeders might help a bit, but usually dine on the regular fish food instead of keeping the tank clean.

If it’s getting really out of control (as in “Oh my god, the entire tank is turning green!”), try decreasing the amount of light (algae loves sunlight in particular) and changing the water a bit more frequently to get rid of excess nutrients that the algae feeds on.

Algae-eaters like snails and certain types of catfish can be helpful in certain cases, but they don’t eat every kind of algae. Plus, they add more waste to your tank. They’re a good idea if you have the right kind of algae, compatible fish, and room in your tank (bioload-wise, I mean. Obviously the fish might all physically *fit* in your tank, but that doesn’t mean it’s OK to stick a few more in there).

Otherwise, I’ve always found the best method to be…a plain scouring pad and a little elbow grease. All part of maintaining your lovely aquarium. Have fun and good luck.

Have you had your nitrates tested lately? If not, take a sample to your local pet store that sells fish and get it tested. Anything less than 40ppm is safe, but you want it less than 20ppm to inhibit algae growth. If it’s more than 20ppm, you need to do a water change. You should be doing about 20% a week. If your nitrates are too high within a week’s period, chances are, your tank is overstocked.

If your tank is in direct sunlight, consider moving the tank or closing the curtains/shade. Also, leave your aquarium light off for a couple of days. Algae needs light to grow. You take away the light, you can’t grow any algae.

Consider planting some live plants like java fern. They will help convert the nitrates into food for themselves.

Lower your temperature to mid-70s. Be careful not to lower anymore than 4 degrees a day, or else you run the risk of messing with your fishies’ immune systems. And we don’t want any sick fishies.

Ghost shrimp are known to eat algae, and they add practically nothing to your bioload. And they’re cheap.

Do not get any algae eating fish, like a pleco. Depending on your tank size (if it’s anything less than a 55-gallon), they will quickly outgrow your tank.

And if all else fails, and you have to add chemicals, make sure you get an algicide that does not contain copper, as some fish are very sensitive to it, and it’s quite difficult to remove. I recommend Algae Magic by Weiss, as it’s organic and safe for all fish, plants, and invertebrates.

Good luck!

they sell a algaside for that. you can try to leave the light off more if its on often

Usually cause by direct sunlight, try moving the tank away from direct sunlight, or get those algea eating fishes. Try not to get snails as they reproduce quite fast and it will becomes a pest soon..

keep the tank in an area that doesn’t get as much sunlight.also, water changes can cause this.use reverse osmose water after cleaning the tank very well with a fish safe cleaner from the petstore