5 Ways to Get Rid of Algae in Your Aquarium

Algae is the worst enemy of aquarists. You can have a beautifully decorated aquarium full of healthy fish and stunning decor, but if the sides of your aquarium are smeared with green goop, there's not a person in the world who will find it beautiful! That's why it's so important to take steps to prevent and reduce algae in your aquarium. Here are five things you can do.

1. Stock properly.

A tank with too many fish in it will have high levels of nitrate, a nutrient that algae thrives on. As tempting as it is to go overboard and put as many fish as you can fit inside that glass box of yours, this is one urge you've got to resist. Overstocked tanks are prone to algae overgrowth.

2. Use live plants.

Live plants help sop up nitrates in leftover food and fish poo. A tank with lots of live plants will rarely have much algae, because your live ornamental plants will "eat" most of the nutrients that algae would need.

3. Get algae-eating fish... cautiously.

Almost every beginning aquarist starts out with a plecostomus, also known as a pleco or "sucker fish." These guys do eat algae, but they can also grow to over three feet in length, so you won't be able to accommodate your pleco long-term. It's also important to bear in mind that any fish will increase your tank's nitrate load, so putting algae-eating fish in an overstocked tank will only worsen the problem. Consider getting several otocinclus catfish if your tank can support them.

4. Change your water regularly.

All fish tanks should undergo a 20-25% water change once a week. Sounds like a lot of work, huh? It's part of the job if you want a healthy and beautiful ecosystem in your aquarium. Water changes reduce the levels of nutrients in your water, making it harder for algae to grow.

5. As a last resort, use chemical treatments.

If all of the above measures haven't worked, you may need to use a chemical treatment and start over. Buy an algae-destroying liquid at your local pet supply store. Bear in mind that it will also be toxic to other plants, and to some sensitive animals, so you'll need to follow the directions carefully. After you've used the treatment, start following the other steps for algae prevention to avoid a resurgence of the green slimy stuff.

Algae can make an otherwise beautiful fish tank look dreadful, but there are always solutions. Take measures to keep your tank healthy, and algae will become a significantly less serious problem in your aquarium.