Things You'll Need
- Algae-eating fish
- Plants
- Algae treatment
- pH test kit
- Pool vacuum
- pH increase or decrease
Instructions
Aquariums
Perform regular water changes to replace half the water every week.
Add algae-eating fish that help control algae. Some suitable fish include most live bearers, dwarf plecos and whiptail catfish. When sparingly fed, they will eat the algae.
Decrease the aquarium light usage and limit direct sunlight.
Add rapid-growing, dense plants. They quickly utilize nutrients that the algae need to survive.
Ponds
Add floating plants. Plants, such as lilies and lotus, provide shade and absorb the fish-produced nutrients that increase algae growth.
Apply green water algae treatment according to the manufacturer's directions. Repeat the application as needed.
Restrict the fish food to what they will eat within five minutes. Excess food encourages algae growth.
Swimming Pools
Test the pH level of the water and adjust if necessary. pH increase and decrease is available at pool supply stores.
Add chlorine shock treatment to the water according to the manufacturer's instructions and water volume.
Filter the water for 24 hours.
Brush the bottom and sides of the pool, then vacuum to remove dead algae.
Add a commercial algaecide specific for green algae treatment.
Properly maintain the filter by cleaning or backwashing regularly.