Green algae in my fish tank?

Question

How can I keep my water clear in my fish tank? Everything in there keeps growing this green algae on it. What can I do to keep that from happening?

Answer 1

A lot of algae growth generally means you've got too high nitrates levels, and/or your are getting to much light. It your problem is nitrates a better filter will not help as a filter will not remove nitrates from the tank. fish + food -> ammonia, then ammonia + bacteria -> nitrates. You should check your water for nitrates, do regular water changes, and be sure you aren't over feeding your fish. High levels of nitrates are bad for your fish.

I've yet to see a tank without high nitrate levels that just sunlight was enough to require chemical treatments to remove the algae. All you really need is something to eat the algae. In tanks under 10 gallons a single apple/mystery snail will keep algae in check. (Unlike ramshorn snail these snails need a mate to produce baby snails.) In 10-30 tanks an Otoc (Otocinclus ) algae eater, or small breed pelco will work. In 30+ common algae eaters, and common pelco will work. Note that many breeds of sucker fish grow to a foot in length so be sure the fish you buy will not out grow it's tank. Also note that most sucker fish, and snails are omnivores and if you are over feeding they may be happy to only vacuum the gravel. Also note that guppy, platty, and molly love algae, and will happily keep bearded algae that many sucker fish will not eat.

Answer 2

Green Algae In Fish Tank

Answer 3

I'll give you my standard algae 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. Also, consider cutting down on feedings. If you're feeding your fish daily, consider feeding them every other day. Excess food will contribute to high nitrates as well.

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

Most green algae is not harmful to the fish, lots of people get rid of it because they think the fish are going to die.

Answer 5

Get a filter and if the tank's in direct sunlight- eg by a window- lean a piece of cardboard on the end where the window is to block the sunlight. Try green away from interpet, maybe.

Answer 6

Get a filter and either an algae eating fish or algae killer treatment.That will take care of it.

Answer 7

keep your aquarium out of direct sunlight, when water gets sunlight, green algea and similar substances forms. also get a sucker fish, it will help greatly.

Answer 8

Don't leave your tank light on all day, that causes alge growth. Also make sure your keeping up on your tamk Maintenance.

Answer 9

get a filter and a sucker fish