How To Eliminate Algae In Your Aquarium

If you have had an aquarium at home for at least some time, you must have surely been faced with the problem of algae. Unfortunately, all fish owners will have to deal with it sooner or later. Algae can be divided into four major groups – blue green, brown, red-brush, and green.

If you have a fish tank that receives plenty of light, the green algae will most probably be the type that will have to be dealt with. In this case, what fish owners see the most often is either the hair algae or the “green dot algae”. The first one is simply long strings of algae, while the latter one is the green dots on the aquarium’s side. The second type is also very hard to remove.

It is common for brown algae to show up in a fish tank which has just been started and it typically shows up in the initial two weeks. If it shows up in established tanks it means that the owner of the aquarium has to check the nitrate as well as phosphate degrees in the tank. Brown algae is abnormal because it lives in aquariums which don’t get a lot of light, therefore the aquarium owner needs to clean the entire tank and increase the lighting. It’s not uncommon for brown algae to vanish when the conditions of the tank stabilize.

Red-brush algae is a form of algae which enjoys fish tanks which feature a heavy PH Level, although it’s extremely hard to forcibly eliminate red-brush algae from aquariums.

If you have something that looks like a slime in your tank, it indicates the appearance of blue-green algae, which actually is a cynobacteria. This is not only going to be dangerous for the plants in your aquarium, but is also likely to cause harm to the fish.

Among the easiest methods to reduce the volume of algae within the tank is to lower your lighting utilizing the smallest wattage you can. Keeping your aquarium lights on for less then nine hours a day will limit the amount of time algae has for photosynthesis.

Changing the water often or using distilled water for cleaning a saltwater aquarium is another good way prevent to algae from growing in your fish tank. Also when changing water try to use as little additives as possible and do remember about vacuuming the rocks. It also helps to keep algae eating aquatic creatures in your aquarium, such as the Yellow Tang Fish, Hard Star Fish, Turbo Snails, Hermit Crabs, Blennies or Angel Fish.

Using an algae magnet when cleaning your tank can also prove to be very helpful. If you make use of it during each cleaning, your aquarium has a high chance of remaining algae free. For the extra stubborn spots you will probably have to resort to using a razor blade. Fortunately, if you do manage to apply all of the above tips, chances are you will not have to worry about algae ever again.