How to Deal With Algae Naturally in Fish Tanks

An over abundance of algae takes away from the appeal of a fish tank. While algae is an eyesore among an otherwise pristine fish tank, there is little you can do to get rid of it without upsetting the entire ecosystem of the tank. Reducing the amount of algae in a fish tank through the use of chemicals is not for every fish lover. However, there are natural remedies for getting rid of algae in your tank such as limiting the amount of sunlight and utilizing algae eaters.

Instructions

    • 1

      Move your fish tank away from sunlight. Keep your fish tank away from windows and doors that receive more than a few hours of sunlight. Install heavy blinds in rooms exposed to large amounts of sunlight. Use light-shielding curtains, if needed.

    • 2

      Turn off the tank lights. Fish do not need constant light. While vitamin D is vital in proper fish growth and health, tank lights are not needed for more than a few hours a day. Keep the tank lights on for no more than 10 hours a day.

    • 3

      Check your water temperatures. Tanks that are too warm are breeding grounds for algae. Keep your tanks within the appropriate temperature range. This helps keep excessive algae at bay and also keeps your fish happy.

    • 4

      Invest in algae eaters. Certain snails, shrimp and fish help clean tanks by eating algae. Place the fish, shrimp or snails in the tank and let them naturally reduce the amount of algae by feeding on it. These fish, shrimp and snails help maintain the ecosystem within the tank without introducing unwanted chemicals to the water.

    • 5

      Adjust your fish feedings and amount of food. Too much food contributes to excess waste in the water. The waste in the water, along with too much light, feeds algae. Observe your fish during feeding time for a week. Take note of how much the fish actually eat and how much food you actually give them. Reduce as needed.

    • 6

      Regularly replace water in your tank. Remove 10 percent of the water in your tank every week and replace it with clean water.

    • 7

      Vacuum and clean all tank decorations and gravel. Once a month, take out all decorations and soak them in warm salt water for at least an hour. Rinse thoroughly and place them back in the tank. Vacuum the gravel of the tank with a tank vacuum. This helps reduce the amount of algae-forming organisms located in the tank.