How to Remove Algae From Freshwater Tanks

Watching fish swim in your fish tank is therapeutic. Watching the colors in your tank, the clean appearance of the water and gentle movement of your fish can be soothing. Though algae growth is a natural part of your fish ecosystem, any positive effects may change if brown red or green algae proliferate. The algae growth rate is affected by water quality, temperature, overfeeding and crowding. Manage these essential needs and clean every week so that removing algae from your freshwater tank will be an easy and positive experience.

Things You'll Need

  • Algae scrubbing pad
  • Five-gallon bucket
  • Siphon attached to an aquatic gravel vacuum
  • Distilled water
  • Submersible pump
  • Filter
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Instructions

  1. Clean Algae From Your Fish Tank

    • 1

      Unplug your lights and filter on your tank. Scrub algae from the walls of your freshwater tank with a scrubbing pad.

    • 2
      Select a bucket to catch the water that you siphon from your fish tank.

      Place your five-gallon bucket on the floor near your fish tank.

    • 3
      Aquatic vacuums remove wastes that attribute to algae growth.

      Lower the wide end of your gravel vacuum onto your fish tank floor. Slowly submerse the siphon hose, filling the tube with water until all air is expressed. Keep the flat end at the bottom of the tank and close the open end of the tube with your thumb. Lift the hose out of the tank and lower it toward your bucket. Release your thumb and lay the hose in the bucket while you remove algae, waste and dirty water with your tool.

    • 4
      Remove algae and soiled water and replace with fresh water.

      Remove 10 to 15 percent of the water in your fish tank each week and replace it with distilled water. Distilled water is free of phosphates and nitrates, which algae need to grow.

    • 5
      Water pumps aerate and move water.

      Install a submersible pump to fit the size of your fish tank. Air bubbles oxygenate your water and produce a current. Moving water prevents surface algae growth and keeps your tank clear.

    • 6
      Fish tank filters clear algae residue and cloudy water.

      Check the filter pads each week and replace them as necessary. Plug your lights and filter back in. Your filter will clear up any cloudy residue remaining, leaving a clear, algae-free freshwater fish tank.