How to Decrease Aquarium Algae Naturally

Algae is always present in an aquarium no matter what you do. Algae in an aquarium is a sign that you have created a healthy underwater environment capable of growing life. Its presence in your aquarium can be controlled just by using a few natural methods.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium light
  • Filter system
  • Algae scrubber
  • Live aquarium plants
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Instructions

    • 1

      Move your aquarium to an area that does not receive direct or indirect natural light. Make sure your aquarium light is only on for ten to twelve hours at a time. Algae grows faster when it has access to a lot of light.

    • 2

      Filter out nitrates and phosphates (fish waste products) which are nutrients for algae. A good filtration system is imperative in controlling algae growth.

    • 3

      Vacuum the gravel during a water change to eliminate more nutrients. A 10% weekly water change is sufficient in controlling algae. Use distilled or deionized water in your tank as tap water contains more phosphates.

    • 4

      Use water motion to control algae growth. If the little algae spores are swirling around in your aquarium, they cannot take "root" and grow.

    • 5

      Scrub the sides of your aquarium only when necessary as this method can stress out your fish. Use a gentle scrubber with no pointy ends that can scratch your fish.

    • 6

      Plant live aquarium plants in your tank. These plants will extract nutrients from the water and starve the algae of its food.

    • 7

      Feed your fish only once a day and only enough food that they can consume in two minutes. Extra fish food becomes nutrients for algae.