How to Decrease Hair Algae Growth

Most fish owners who have aquariums and ponds expect to see a little algae growth now and then. A small amount of algae can even be good for the aquarium environment, as some fish consume algae, and algae can help to spread nutrients to real plants within the water. However, when hair algae begins to take over your water, filling your aquarium or pond with long, ugly strings of slimy seaweed-like substance, it can become a nuisance and a danger to your fish. Proper care of the fish, the water and the environment of your tank can decrease the growth of hair algae. Try a few of the following methods for controlling algae growth.

Things You'll Need

  • Rubber gloves
  • Aquarium dwellers
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Instructions

  1. Remove algae

    • 1

      Wear rubber gloves when working with your fish tank to prevent contamination of your hands or your fish.

    • 2

      Pull as much hair algae as you can from the water. You will often find it attached to plants, rocks and even the sides of your tank or pond. Pull the algae off in one quick motion, and try not to let any float away in the water. If it dies and decomposes in the water, it will spread nutrients that helped it grow to begin with, causing the growth of more algae.

    • 3

      Change the water in your tank once you have harvested the algae from your water. This will remove any remaining algae floating around in the tank, as well as any nutrients that the algae released during harvesting.

    Eliminate the causes

    • 4

      Add more plants to your aquarium or pond. Algae will not be able to take hold, as it will have too much competition for nutrients in the water. This can include plants that live under the water, as well as floaters such lily pads.

    • 5

      Add fish or other animals that consume algae. These include hermit crabs, snails and glass shrimp. Generally, one snail per gallon of water and one hermit crab per two gallons of water will eat any algae growth.

    • 6

      Regulate the temperature of your tank closely. A steady of temperature of 74 degrees Fahrenheit will not harm fish, but is generally too cold for hair algae to grow.

    • 7

      Feed your fish only as much as necessary to keep them alive. Excess food in the tank decomposes and spreads nutrients into the water, which contributes to the growth of algae.

    • 8

      Clean your tank regularly to remove any excess food or fish waste, which will release extra nutrients into the water.