how do i get the algae to go away from my fish tank?

Question

I have a fishtank with several fish, including catfish, in it. My prob is that we can't get the algae to go away. We have cleaned the tank, and put special drops in. I heard some algae is caused by to much light, so we quit putting the light on. we have also started over with brand new fish and yet the algae keeps growing. What causes this and how can I stop it? Is it harmful to the fish?

Answer 1

I'm going to give you my standard algae answer in a minute.

No, it's not harmful to your fish. It just makes your tank look nasty, and it will sometimes cause a slight unpleasant odor in the water as well. As it is usually said, all healthy aquariums have some algae, so no, it's not harmful.

Now my answer:

"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 2

Usually the algae actually make the tank healthier for the fish, though unsightly for you. Make sure you feed the fish minimally and do the regular 10% water changes to control nitrate buildup. Algae love nitrates, and the bacteria in your tank can not reduce them -- only water changes will help (and do siphon sludge from the bottom at the same time). You might get a nitrate test kit at your pet store and see how much nitrate you have. So there's five things you can do: 1. Feed minimally 2. Keep tank lights on no more than 10 hours a day 3. control the nitrates 4. use some algae control medications if you like 5. Accept the fact that algae are healthy for your fish. Do all five things and you should be happy with the result.

Answer 3

If your tank is in Direct sunlight it will encourage algae to grow. Which isn't a bad thing because your tank is substaining life on its own! But overfeeding your fish can also cause algea to grow. Your fish should consume all their food in TWO minutes. If not you are overfeeding them. Live plants help with the algea control. The best thing to do is to scrub the side of your tank before water changes, and change your water 10-15% every week. That can remove the floatign algea in your tank.

This site might be helpful! Good luck and enjoy your fish!

Answer 4

clean the tank and move it out of dirrect sunlight. Also, get a scrubber, clean the glass, and do water changes frequently.

Algae eaters can only do so much, and many can get very big and put a strain on a smaller tank. I once had 2 of them, 4'' long each in a 10 gallon and it was tough to keep clean.

Answer 5

In a freshwater tank, get a fish such as a plecostumus. If it's a marine tank, tangs work well, as do hermit crabs. The algae isn't harmful to the tank at all. Also, make sure you aren't overfeeding your tank, it can contribute to some of the slime/algae, too.

Answer 6

maybe buy 1 of those algae-eater fish. pet stores sell special fish that eat the algae--theres sum that have like a sucker-thingy on their mouths

Answer 7

you wanna get a fish that eats algae im not sure what there called

Answer 8

Go to the pet store you got your fish from and ask them what to use.

Answer 9

the fish that eats algea or clean it