How to Get Rid of Algae in Your Aquarium

Algae uses photosynthesis to grow in an aquarium. Luckily, there are ways to control this unruly protist.

Things You'll Need

  • Siphon
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Instructions

    • 1

      Understand that there are several types of algae that will grow in an aquarium. Get ready to fight.

    • 2

      Do away with slime algae by lowering nutrient levels. Change the water and siphon out the slime.

    • 3

      Lower the light levels. What makes plants grow will make algae grow.

    • 4

      Keep direct sunlight off of the aquarium.

    • 5

      Use grazing snails to eat many - but not all - kinds of algae.

    • 6

      Use a gentle scrubbing pad for acrylic aquariums ' a Buf-Puf works great.

    • 7

      Use a razor blade to scrape glass tanks, which are not as likely to scratch.

    • 8

      Get algae-eating fish, which are your best and most natural line of defense against the stuff. These should be the first fish in your tank.