Reasons Why Algae Grow in Your Fish Tank

Fish are delicate creatures that require specific environments to thrive. As a result, any improper adjustments to a tank can lead to poor health for your pets. One of the most common health risks to fish is unchecked algae growth, which can poison them. Be aware of the reasons why algae grow in your fish tank to know how to prevent their spread. While they can look like a natural part of a fish’s environment, it’s unsafe to allow them to grow.

Overfeeding

Overfeeding can encourage the development of algae in two primary ways. The first is that food pellets will go uneaten. When they break down, the chemicals that interact with the water promote algae growth. The food will dissolve and create an environment where algae can thrive, allowing them to spread quickly.

The same idea applies to fish waste, which is the other way overfeeding spreads algae. When it gathers, fish waste releases chemicals that result in the development of algae. Know how much your fish eat and reduce the amount of overfeeding.

Direct Sunlight

Algae thrive off of sunlight because they sustain themselves through photosynthesis. The more sunlight an alga absorbs, the bigger it grows and the more dangerous it becomes. Fish owners need to know where to place their glass aquarium tanks to reduce the amount of sunlight that shines through them.

While it may seem beneficial to let the sun shine on your fish, don’t underestimate the destructive power it can have in altering their environment. Utilizing indoor lighting can still cause algal growth, but the effects are far smaller than direct sunlight.

Unchanged Water

Some algae will inevitably be in your tank since they’re a natural part of watery environments. But one of the most reliable ways to prevent them from growing out of control is to replace the water in your tank regularly. Old water accumulates bacteria the stimulates algae growth. So allowing the water to become more contaminated will benefit no one.

Therefore, dump out about a quarter of the tank’s water every week. Then, fill it back up with new, clean water. Replacing all the water brings its own health risks to your fish, so ensure you leave three-quarters of the water during this process.

Your aquarium requires constant monitoring and immediate action when you notice the water becoming murky. Knowing why algae grow in your fish tank will help you eliminate one of the most significant health risks your pet faces. Algae act as a poison that contaminates your aquarium and kills your fish when left unchecked.