How to Get Rid of Algae in a 10 Gallon Aquarium

Algae are simple, photosynthetic, water-dwelling organisms which are evolutionary precursors to land plants. Algae in an aquarium can take various forms: wispy tendrils that stick to rocks and aquarium decorations, a thin green layer that coats aquarium glass, and even a floating variety that turns the water green. Most aquarium owners agree that all of these are an unsightly nuisance; luckily, all kinds of algae are manageable with a few simple techniques which don't require any special materials or expertise. Algae grows when the proper combination of light and nutrients are present.

Things You'll Need

  • Nylon brush or toothbrush
  • Bucket
  • Algae pads
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Instructions

    • 1

      Move the fish tank out of direct sunlight, if it is in a window or another bright place, or move it out from under particularly bright lights, as this gives the algae the light they need to grow rapidly. If you have a light built into the fish tank, consider running it for fewer hours each day. You can also cover the outside part of the aquarium that faces the light with an opaque material such as aluminum foil or paper.

    • 2

      Change out 20 percent of the water in the aquarium each day until you have changed all of the water, then continue to change out 20 percent once or twice a week. This will take care of any green algae floating in the water, and the regular changing will prevent it from coming back.

    • 3

      Remove the rocks and decorations in your aquarium and scrub them with a brush to remove tendrils of algae. Rinse thoroughly and replace them. In combination with regular water changes, this will dramatically reduce the amount of algae in the water.

    • 4

      Use algae pads to scrub off the green scum on the glass. Do this right before you're going to change some of the water, so that you can eliminate at least some of the algae that floats off into the water as you scrub.