Algae Removal in Fish Tanks

One of the most common problems faced in the maintenance of aquariums is the development of algae. The growth of algae is almost inevitable in any aquarium. Therefore, the only thing that you can do is to gain information on the various forms of algae that tend to grow in aquariums and ways to eliminate this primitive form of plant life from your fish tank.

  1. Types of Algae in Fish Tanks

    • Algae are known to have various forms, some even indicating the general health condition of the fish tank. Green algae having hair-like appearance indicate an aquarium that is in sound condition. On the contrary, red or brown algae characterize an ecologically imbalanced aquarium or one with poor water quality.

    Algae Removal From Fish Tanks

    • The survival and growth of algae depend upon three basic aspects, which are the presence of water, light and nutrients. Unavailability of any one of these key factors aids in arresting the growth of this ancient form of plant life. Since water is present in abundance in a fish tank, you need to withdraw the other two essential requirements in order to remove algae from the aquarium. Using a combination of algae removal methods is usually advisable.

    Protein Skimmer

    • Introduce a protein skimmer that facilitates the removal of a vital nutrient required for algae growth called Dissolved Organic Matter (DOC). Apart from eliminating DOC, a protein skimmer also reduces the levels of other nutrients, such as carbon dioxide and nitrates, in the fish tank. This removal method is ideal for saltwater fish tanks.

    Algae-Eating Fish

    • Add algae-eating fish to your fish tank species, such as plecostomus catfish and Siamese algae eaters, which naturally feed on algae, thereby aiding in its elimination. These fish tend to eat green algae and may not be effective for other types of algae.

    Light Reduction

    • Decrease the availability of light by either placing the fish tank away from natural sources of light or by keeping the lights in the premises switched off for considerable durations. Do not allow the fish tank to get more than 10 to 12 hours of light each day.

    Nutrient Reduction

    • Fish excreta and uneaten food dissolve in the tank water forming nutrients that aid in the growth of algae. Change the water of your fish tank on a daily basis to minimize nutrient availability. Change a minimum 20 percent of water every day, and once the algae reduce in the tank, change 20 percent of the water twice a week.

    Precautions

    • Refrain from covering the tank with plastic as a measure of light reduction. The plastic cover tends to cut off the supply of oxygen, which, in turn, leads to death of fish owing to suffocation.

      While resorting to the changing of water regularly to remove algae, remember not to change large quantities of water at a time as this can prove deleterious to fish health. Change only 20 percent of the water at a given time.

    Prevention Against Algae Regrowth

    • You cannot be relaxed permanently after removing algae from your fish tank. You need to make continuous effort to prevent the regrowth of this primitive plant life. Feed the fish just once a day. The quantity of food given should be small enough to be consumed in less than two minutes. Remove dead fish and decaying plants from the tank immediately as these form excellent nutrients for algae growth. Install an ultraviolet sterilizer in the fish tank to kill algae cells before they begin growing in the tank.