How to Get Rid of Algae on Gravel in Aquarium

Algae is one of the most common annoyances of aquarium owners. While algae can ruin the appearance of your aquarium, algae growth is both inevitable and beneficial to a certain extent. The diligent aquarium owner must balance between having a clean aquarium and having an acceptable amount of algae in the aquarium. To create this balance, clean your gravel roughly every two weeks with a siphon and a gravel washer. This will ensure that you foster a clean and healthy environment for your fish and also have a clean aquarium to show off to your friends and family.

Things You'll Need

  • Towels
  • Large bucket
  • Fish tank siphon
  • Gravel washer
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Instructions

  1. Using a Siphon

    • 1

      Place towels all around the aquarium. This will ensure that any water that leaks from the siphon will be absorbed and will not create mess or even a safety hazard.

    • 2

      Place a large bucket on the floor next to the aquarium. You will use this bucket to store the water that the siphon will expel from the aquarium.

    • 3

      Place a "gravel washer" on one end of the siphon. A gravel washer is a simple device that makes the opening of the siphon slightly larger. Gravel washers are usually 2 inches in diameter.

    • 4

      Slip the gravel washer end of the siphon into the aquarium and suck lightly (and carefully) on the other end of the siphon to create the necessary suction. If this does not work, you can purchase a siphon with a pump.

    • 5

      Once water begins flowing through the siphon, place the end of the siphon not in the aquarium securely in the bucket you have placed on the floor.

    • 6

      Once the siphon begins expelling water and the end of it is in the bucket, move the gravel washer end toward the gravel. This will cause the suction to pick up algae off of the gravel.

    • 7

      Remove the siphon from the aquarium when you are done, and use the towels you have placed on the floor to clean up any water that may have spilled during the cleaning process.