Why just on the glass!????

Question

My mom has this small aquarium and she can't seem to keep it clean. The water stays clear as the day she put it in but the glass keeps growing an algea on it. Any clues why and tips on what she can do to prevent it???

Answer 1

If you look closely you will notice the algae isn't just on the glass, but also growing on the rocks, gravel and any other decorations you have in the tank. The best and safest solution would be to get a fish that eats algae, such as a Pleco. Also, move the tank out of the sunlight to discourage algae growth. There are also some chemicals you can add to the water that lowers the phosphate levels.

Answer 2

Get a tiny pleco who will eat most of the algae, this doesn't mean you will no longer have to clean the tank though.

Get a water filter, if you don't already have one, so there will always be movement in the tank and small particles will be filtered out rather than collecting on the sides plus the new oxygen brought into the water is good for the fish.

Move the tank out of direct sunlight, you don't have to necessarily keep it in a real dark room, just that the direct sunlight helps produce more algae quickly.

If you decide to get a pleco (algae eater) and move your aquarium to a different spot but algae tablets because if your tank is no longer producing enough algae the pleco will need something to eat or he'll die.

Answer 3

Have you had your nitrates tested lately? If not, take a sample to your local pet store that sells fish and get it tested. Anything less than 40ppm is safe, but you want it less than 20ppm to inhibit algae growth. If it's more than 20ppm, you need to do a water change. You should be doing about 20% a week. If your nitrates are too high within a week's period, chances are, your tank is overstocked.

If your tank is in direct sunlight, consider moving the tank or closing the curtains/shade. Also, leave your aquarium light off for a couple of days. Algae needs light to grow. You take away the light, you can't grow any algae.

Consider planting some live plants like java fern. They will help convert the nitrates into food for themselves.

Lower your temperature to mid-70s. Be careful not to lower anymore than 4 degrees a day, or else you run the risk of messing with your fishies' immune systems. And we don't want any sick fishies.

Ghost shrimp are known to eat algae, and they add practically nothing to your bioload. And they're cheap.

Do not get any algae eating fish, like a pleco. Depending on your tank size (if it's anything less than a 55-gallon), they will quickly outgrow your tank.

And if all else fails, and you have to add chemicals, make sure you get an algicide that does not contain copper, as some fish are very sensitive to it, and it's quite difficult to remove. I recommend Algae Magic by Weiss, as it's organic and safe for all fish, plants, and invertebrates.

Good luck!

Answer 4

The algae grows on the source of light. Fish stores will sell a product commonly called "floss". You can take a small square of floss and gently remove the algae from the glass. Unless you add a chemical algaecide (that is safe for fish) or you block the sunlight hitting the tank, the algae will grow back. Bottom feeders might help a bit, but usually dine on the regular fish food instead of keeping the tank clean.

Answer 5

If it's getting really out of control (as in "Oh my god, the entire tank is turning green!"), try decreasing the amount of light (algae loves sunlight in particular) and changing the water a bit more frequently to get rid of excess nutrients that the algae feeds on.

Algae-eaters like snails and certain types of catfish can be helpful in certain cases, but they don't eat every kind of algae. Plus, they add more waste to your tank. They're a good idea if you have the right kind of algae, compatible fish, and room in your tank (bioload-wise, I mean. Obviously the fish might all physically *fit* in your tank, but that doesn't mean it's OK to stick a few more in there).

Otherwise, I've always found the best method to be...a plain scouring pad and a little elbow grease. All part of maintaining your lovely aquarium. ;) Have fun and good luck.

Answer 6

An algae eater and some snails will help. Does she have a filter to keep the water clean and does she use all the chemicals to keep the tank nice and clear.

Answer 7

Usually cause by direct sunlight, try moving the tank away from direct sunlight, or get those algea eating fishes. Try not to get snails as they reproduce quite fast and it will becomes a pest soon..

Answer 8

You can buy algea eater, a type of fish that is really inexpensive. Or you can buy a formula that is for ponds and tanks that is supposed to keep algae from growing (the formula works, I use it at work for our fountains)

Answer 9

Sometimes there are special cleaning stuff in pet stores but I if that doesnt work get the fish that eats algea.

Answer 10

Is it near a window or under a desk lamp? You should have a small bowl filter is circulate the water to break the surface too. High levels of waste is food for algae.