How to Clean Algae

Algae is a photosynthetic organism that grows in your fish tank and, if not managed, covers the walls, ornaments, and makes the water murky. Controlling the level of algae in your tank is not a time-consuming process. But there are several ways to go about it. Algae is produced by the waste from your fish and light sources. Tackling these two factors will make your fish tank clear and presentable again. It is important to let some algae remain in your fish tank as your tank is a microcosm of a natural environment, and algae helps to sustain that biosphere.

Things You'll Need

  • Algae scraper
  • Filter
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Change the water regularly. Fish waste in the water helps algae grow. Typically, changing 20 percent of the water in the tank once a week will suffice. If you have an algae problem, though, change 10 to 20 percent of the water daily until the problem is solved. Use a siphon that you can buy at any pet store to drain some of the water from the tank into a bucket or directly into your sink. Then, using tap water, siphon water back into your tank. Make sure the temperature of the water is the same.

    • 2

      Scrape the algae off the sides of the tank or off the ornaments with an algae scraper. You can buy an algae scraper at a pet store or discount store for less than $5. Do not remove the water when you scrape. Scrub the sides of the tank until the algae is removed.

    • 3

      Buy a plecostomus catfish or a Siamese algae eater. Both of these types of fish will reduce, but not entirely eliminate, the algae in the tank. Both types of fish get along well with other fish.

    • 4

      Turn off the aquarium light. Algae uses light as nutrients. Reduce the light by switching off the aquarium light at night. If your tank is near a window, consider moving it to an area where there is less sunlight.

    • 5

      Change the aquarium filter. The filter helps cut down on bacterial buildup and reduce chemicals from your tap water. Replace the filter every two months. Do not change the filter at the same time as scraping the algae and changing the water because it will cause too much stress to the fish.