How to Clean Up Pea Green Algae Water

Green algae in an aquarium, pond or pool are single-celled plants needing light, water and nutrients to grow. Although the algae is non-life-threatening, it can deplete the oxygen in an aquarium and pond, restrict owners' visibility of colorful fish and make a swimming pool unsafe for swimmers. Regular maintenance and preventive measures can restrict algae growth.

Things You'll Need

  • Algae-eating fish
  • Plants
  • Algae treatment
  • pH test kit
  • Pool vacuum
  • pH increase or decrease
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Instructions

  1. Aquariums

    • 1

      Perform regular water changes to replace half the water every week.

    • 2

      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.

    • 3

      Decrease the aquarium light usage and limit direct sunlight.

    • 4

      Add rapid-growing, dense plants. They quickly utilize nutrients that the algae need to survive.

    Ponds

    • 5

      Add floating plants. Plants, such as lilies and lotus, provide shade and absorb the fish-produced nutrients that increase algae growth.

    • 6

      Apply green water algae treatment according to the manufacturer's directions. Repeat the application as needed.

    • 7

      Restrict the fish food to what they will eat within five minutes. Excess food encourages algae growth.

    Swimming Pools

    • 8

      Test the pH level of the water and adjust if necessary. pH increase and decrease is available at pool supply stores.

    • 9

      Add chlorine shock treatment to the water according to the manufacturer's instructions and water volume.

    • 10

      Filter the water for 24 hours.

    • 11

      Brush the bottom and sides of the pool, then vacuum to remove dead algae.

    • 12

      Add a commercial algaecide specific for green algae treatment.

    • 13

      Properly maintain the filter by cleaning or backwashing regularly.