How to Get Rid of Algae in a Fresh Water Tank

Dirty fish tanks are perfect places for nasty algae to grow and thrive. It's important to keep the water and tank clean to prevent algae from building up and making your fish unhappy. There are various methods for eliminating freshwater algae, and you can tailor your plan of attack according to your needs. Getting rid of algae for good is definitely no walk in the park. It may take several attempts to completely defeat it. With the right steps and proper maintenance, soon your algae-filled tank will be cleaner than ever before.

Things You'll Need

  • Tank glass scrubber
  • Large bucket
  • Gravel vacuum
  • Replacement filter cartridges
  • Live freshwater plants
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Instructions

    • 1

      Scrub the insides of the fish tank using a scrubber. This will help physically remove algae from the glass. Magnetic tank scrubbers are sold at pet stores, and will allow you to scrub the inside of the tank without getting your hands wet.

    • 2

      Change the water in your tank regularly using buckets and clean water. Ten to fifteen percent of the water should be replaced about once a week. Water changes not only remove free-floating algae in the tank, but they also help reduce the amount of nitrate in the tank, which promotes algae growth.

    • 3

      Move the tank to an area where it doesn't get any direct sunlight. Algae grows more quickly when the sun is providing it energy. Set the tank lights on a timer which limits the light to be one for 12-14 hours per day.

    • 4

      Change the cartridges of your filtration system regularly. Clean the gravel on the bottom of the tank with a gravel cleaner to help take some of the load off the filter.

    • 5

      Limit the amount of phosphates and nitrates you put into the tank by checking to see if your water additives contain either of these compounds. Limit the amount of food you give to your fish -- but don't starve them. Excess food is quickly used by the algae for its nutrients.

    • 6

      Keep the tank population in control. Too many fish or creatures in the tank will create excess waste, which leads to more algae and poor fish health.

    • 7

      Place live plants in the tank to help absorb the excess nutrients that algae uses for food. Use light bulbs that will help your plants grow, and limit the light to about 14 hours per day.