how can i control algae growth in my aquarium?

Question

I do two water changes a month right now. I've looked at some algae removers, but they worry me. Also, most are harmful to my fiddler crab. I've got the tank as far away from windows as possible.

Answer 1

what about an algae eater fish?

Answer 2

i'd propose getting a sponge made for aquariums. Scrape the algae off with it. you should purchase liquid stuff that kills the algae, I were given this when I were given brown algae and it quite works large (I were given the tetra one). make positive there is no longer too a lot mild in case you take advantage of aquarium lighting fixtures then no better than 8 hours an afternoon. and do not overfeed, as this may also reason algae bloom. i'd go away the things you used for some days even, purely to make positive it is all lifeless.

Answer 3

First of all, you need to do weekly water changes of at least 20%. Anything less, and you're asking for your nitrates to build up something awful.

I'm going to give you my "standard answer" for algae questions.

"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 at least 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

Keep the lights turned off. Perhaps move the fiddler to another home for a while while you treat the water. Try planting some live plants if you feel ambitious. (They'll compete with the algae for nutrients in the water.) Check to make sure you've got a fluorescent light. Lights that replicate sunlight will promote algae growth.

Answer 5

I've found that one of the things which causes excess algae growth is high temperatures as well as sunshine, if you have your tank away from the window your probably OK with the sunshine but you might still be experiencing high temps' do to other environmental factors so u might want to get an in tank thermometer and see if your temps' are high.

My only other suggestion get a pleco they're great for keeping algae down.

Answer 6

As far as algae removers, are you referring to Algae Eaters or sucker fish as they are known? If so, they should not be a problem as they do not eat anything except algae. I have an aquarium 55 gallon tank with several fish in it and one algae eater or sucker fish. This fish has grown quite a bit since I've had it and has NEVER hurt any other fish in the tank. I have never had to change the water. I have had to and do replace water but have never changed it.

Answer 7

Maybe put the crab into another tank and put the algae no-growth products in the other. There are fish that eat algae, check with the aquarium supply store.

Answer 8

Try putting a snail or two in your tank. they won't mess with any other, critter, and they work just like an algae eater.

Also try feeding your fish less. They only need a little bit. They won't starve, believe me.

Did you know that at most pet stores they only feed their fish every 3 days. They say the fish last longer, and it cuts down on cleanup time. (I am not by any means telling you to feed your fish every 3 days, that is a matter of choice. It's just an example.) Anyway, you really only need to give them the same amount as a dime lying in your palm. (Surely no larger than a quarter.)

Answer 9

Limit your time of having the lights on. A complete water change is not necessary but a partial water change once a month is adviseable. Instead, clean your filter(s) weekly, make sure you are not over feeding. The greatest help is a placostomis (sp?) and a common algae eater. Hope this helps. Phyllis

Answer 10

You can get aquarium animals that eat algae, for example, mosquito fish, guppies, and snails all eat algae. Mosquito fish are territorial though and will fight with other fish. Snails are harmless to other animals in the tank and are very hardy. They will hang on even when the water gets pretty dirtly.

Answer 11

I had a 10 gallon aquarium and it was always green. I bought a 29 gallon and I don't hardly ever do any thing other than feed my fish and change the filter. Bigger aquariums are much easier to take care of. They make medicines for algae. You can buy them any where they sell fish supplies usually.