How to Clean Fish Tanks With Algae

Fish aquariums require regular maintenance in order to keep a healthy environment for the fish. If an aquarium is not maintained regularly, algae and other marine growth can build up inside the tank. Harmful bacteria in the algae can harm your fish and leave you with cloudy water. Changing the water in your aquarium, adding algae eaters and using a algae magnet cleaner will all help clean and prevent algae buildup in your aquarium.

Things You'll Need

  • Algae eater fish
  • Water treatment additive
  • Algae magnetic cleaner
  • Siphon
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Instructions

    • 1

      Change roughly 20 percent of the water in your tank each day. Use a siphon to remove the water from the tank. Changing too much water at once can shock and harm the fish. Add and remove water in 20-percent intervals until the water clears in the tank.

    • 2

      Use an algae cleaning magnet to remove algae from the walls of the tank. Place one end of the magnetic cleaner into the tank and hold it against the wall using your hand. Use your other hand to place the other end of the magnetic cleaner to the outside of the wall. Remove your hand from the water and use the other hand to guide the magnet across the walls of the tank, removing the algae.

    • 3

      Add a water treatment additive to the water in your fish tank. Water treatment additives filter out chlorine and other harmful chemicals from your tap water. Refer to the water treatment bottle label for the recommended amount needed to treat the water. Pour the recommended amount of water treatment into the water in the fish tank.

    • 4

      Purchase a couple of algae eater fish from your local pet shop or aquarium store. Algae eaters feed on algae and will help naturally maintain your aquarium. Place the fish bag in the fish tank and let it float on the surface for one hour. This will gradually adjust the water temperature to prevent shocking the fish. Untie the bag and release the fish into the aquarium.