How to Get Algae Off the Plastic Aquarium Walls

The growth of green algae on your aquarium walls is an inevitable problem for any aquarium owner. Healthy fish tanks provide the ideal conditions for algae to grow. And while algae can be helpful in maintaining your aquarium's ecosystem, it is far less relaxing to watch your fish through a dirty green haze. Fortunately, there are various options available to remove algae from your aquarium walls and minimize future growth.

Things You'll Need

  • Acrylic-safe sponge
  • Algae eaters
  • Aquatic plants
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use an acrylic-safe sponge to remove the green algae from the glass. Most glass tanks require a scraper or razor blade, but plastic tanks are very vulnerable to accidental scrapes.

    • 2

      Add one or two algae-eating fish to the tank. The standard choices include sucker-mouth catfish, cleaner shrimp or mollies. However, more fish means more waste, which can increase the algae's growth rate. So don't become exclusively dependent on algae-eaters.

    • 3

      Change out some of the tank's water at least once a week. The tank water doesn't need to be replaced completely, but do replace at least one-quarter of it weekly, to minimize waste buildup.

    • 4

      Add more live plants to the tank. They consume all the same resources as algae, and at much higher rates. So by adding a few more live plants, you can effectively starve the algae to death before it has a chance to start growing.