Tips for Controlling Algae Growth in Your Aquarium

While a little bit of algae usually isn’t a problem, if left untreated, it can overrun your tank and make your fish pretty sick. Fortunately, with modern science and knowledge, we know how algae grow, and there are easy ways to stop blooms in their tracks. If you’re struggling with unsightly algae, here are a few tips for controlling algae growth in your aquarium.

Cut Out Food Waste

While you may not notice it, there is a chance that your fish are leaving leftovers to decay in the tank during feeding time. As the leftovers break down, this provides nutrients for algae to grow, just like any other excess of fish waste. Next time you feed your fish, see if they eat all of it, and suck up any pellets or excess food they don’t eat within five minutes.

Reduce Light Exposure

Algae needs light to grow, so whether your tank is in sunlight or uses artificial light, monitor how much light the tank is getting. If it’s by a window getting pelted by rays all day, this makes the perfect condition for algae to grow. In most cases, it’s best to use artificial light and an automatic timer to mimic the day and night cycles. Not only is this better for your fish’s health, but it gives algae less light to thrive in.

Monitor Your Water’s Nutrient Levels

Unfortunately, neglecting to clean your tank is one of the most common reasons why algae tend to grow. When nutrient levels go out of whack, algae don’t have to fight for food, and thus blooms take over. Consistent cleaning is the best way to monitor nutrient levels, but you’ll also want to conduct consistent water tests. If your tank is high in nitrates or phosphates, you’re essentially giving algae blooms a free buffet and will need to do a water change.

Keep Live Plants or Algae Eaters

While following the tips above are the most consistent way to prevent algae overall, there are some tank mates that can help you fight off algae naturally. Live plants thrive off the same nutrients as algae, and because algae can’t compete with aquatic plants, it can’t grow. Additionally, algae eaters such as snails, bottom feeders, and shrimp won’t just eat algae; they’ll also eat the detritus and waste that causes algae. But remember, plants and algae eaters can’t do it all on their own, so be sure to give them a helping hand if algae growth is out of control.

Luckily, controlling algae growth in your aquarium is easy, and if you follow these few steps, you’re bound to see a cleaner tank in no time! And if you’re a beginner looking for the perfect tank to start with, Fish Tanks Direct has 30-gallon tanks for sale, perfect for fish hobbyists at any stage.