How to Set Up a Canister Filter for Algae Control

Algae thrive on the metabolic waste of fish and marine invertebrate animals, such as corals. Algae also grow proficiently when exposed to light. Both light and metabolic waste are typically present in every aquarium. It is not possible to cut down on light levels, because the animals that you choose to house, particularly reef invertebrates, are dependant on light with a certain intensity and spectrum. Aquarists need to control algae by removing or diluting the organic waste in an aquarium and this is best achieved through the use of various filter materials that are used in a canister filter.

Things You'll Need

  • Canister filter
  • Filter floss
  • Nylon bag of phosphate remover or sponge
  • Nylon bag of activated carbon
  • Sintered glass tubes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a thick wad of filter floss into the compartment into which dirty aquarium water will flow first. Filter floss acts as a mechanical filter and removes large pieces of detritus and dirt from circulation.

    • 2

      Place a nylon bag containing phosphate remover into on top of the filter floss. Phosphate, which is ever-present in the urine of fish and marine invertebrate animals, such as sea anemones, is a principle nutrient of algae. Aquarists cannot reduce the amount of phosphate entering the system, but can control its removal. A phosphate sponge is therefore an important filter medium to include.

    • 3

      Include a nylon bag containing active carbon. Place this bag in the same compartment of the canister filter, as the phosphate sponge. Active carbon contains numerous corridors and pores, in which molecules of metabolic waste are physically trapped and removed from the water.

    • 4

      Place a number of sintered glass tubes into the last compartment of the canister filter. Beneficial bacterial colonies that convert the metabolic waste from fish and invertebrate animals will colonize these small and highly porous units.

    • 5

      Use sufficient glass tubes to fill the compartment, because the bacteria that colonize this filter material are required to perform both aerobic and anaerobic denitrification. The aerobic bacteria will convert ammonia to nitrite (NO2-) and nitrite (NO2-) to nitrate (NO3-). Anaerobic bacteria will then reduce the nitrate. As nitrate is a prime source of nutrients for algae, its removal will in turn control algae growth.

    • 6

      Rinse or replace the filter floss at least every two weeks and replace the phosphate remover and carbon, once algae in the aquarium begins to proliferate.