What Kind of Water Plant Helps Kill Algae?

Algae is a common problem in aquariums and ponds, but fortunately, adding plants, along with maintaining the proper combination of light and nutrients, keeps algae in check. Nearly all algae problems are caused either by too much light or too many nutrients, and plants can effectively compete with algae for these substances, making algaecides and other chemical treatments unnecessary.

  1. Fast-Growing Plants

    • According to Richard T. Pon at the Cichlid Forum website, people should try using inexpensive, fast-growing aquatic plants at first, such as Cabomba, Hygrophila polysperma and Vallisneria.

    More Expensive Plants

    • Other more expensive stem plants can be used as well, including Java fern and Echinodorus.

    Emersed Cuttings

    • Pon also recommends Nomaphila stricta and Hygrophila lacustris cuttings, as long as they are acquired from above water surfaces, so they are free of snails or algae.

    Healthy Plants

    • Aquarium owners should be sure the plants are healthy, with green leaves and white roots. Any damaged leaves should be discarded.

    Plants to Avoid

    • Aquarium owners also should avoid non-aquatic plants, as well as red or purple plants, which require very bright light to survive.

    Barley Straw

    • Another solution for controlling algae in ponds and aquariums is to place a loose bundle of barley straw in a net or mesh bag in the water. Barley straw can be purchased at many pet and aquarium shops, and at online retail stores.