how long will the water in the aquarium stays clean?

Question

every month the tank has brown colored algae on the glass surface, is there any solution that can use to make the water stay clean for longer period of time.

Answer 1

Algae has several ways of developing in tanks, among the top few reasons: 1) Direct sunlight- This usually creates the green colored algae you'd see in ponds and such. 2) Fish waste (including uneaten food)- Waste that isn't removed from your tank via water changes (by siphoning) is typically the cause of the brown colored algae.

While there are quick "solutions" available in your local pet retailers, I rarely ever suggest them. Many products that you'll find, "Algae be-gone" kinda stuff aren't always the most welcomed product in your fishes enviroment and tend to contain ingredients which require you to use the product non-stop (tank dependency) once you try it. The best and "right" way to control algae is through your maintenance, honestly.

Maintenance, regardless if its for a new tank or an established one, is of vital importance for the health of your fish. Filtration systems alone cannot control the harmful waste that your fish create; you are the line of defense against illnesses.

For all beginner tanks, I suggest weekly 25% (25-45%, nothing more...NEVER all) water changes and rinsing of the carbon filter (Carbon filters last only 4-5 weeks once submerged into water, so you can just rinse until this stage is over.) for the first 4-6 weeks to create a healthy bacteria cycle.

On an established (established, meaning the bacteria cycle has begun to take some of the cleaning work off your hands) tank, water changes (25-45%, nothing more...NEVER all) can be spread out between every 3-4 weeks. No matter how established a tank is, it still requires some form of maintenance.

The easiest way of doing maintenance (if you're already not in the know) is by using a siphon. It is what it is; a tube you submerge into your to funnel water and waste out with. You can find cheap ones at your local pet store, but they require you to create the suction action. Or, you can buy the slightly pricey ones that hook up to your kitchen sink/faucet that will do the suction AND filling of water for you. When using the siphon, you're object is not only to remove the water for the change, but to dig into the gravel bed and remove most-all of the waste that hides beneath. If you don't remove it, water changes make no difference what-so-ever.


Like I said above, there are products that'll reduce the algae, but really that's a secondary problem. Its not the most glamourous part, but if you don't mind a bit of scrubbing of the algae with a green Scotch Brite scrubber (only to use on glass tanks), its time to dive in with your fishies and have some water fun!

Answer 2

This sounds like you are over feeding the fish. Do you a window cleaner or bottom feeder? Also it can depend if your filtration system is working well. But as a normal for a tank less than a 55 gal tank it should be changed about once a month. We have a 55 gal tank and change water about once ever 2.5 - 3 months. We have four Corydoras (small cat fish looking fish) and two Pimelodid. Those were the names I couldn't remember. Some people use these or Synodontis, snails or sluggs. I always try to stay away from as many chemicals as possible. But that is just me.

Answer 3

Algae doesn't indicate dirty water, it means you are getting too much sunlight. But usually, simple scraping will deal with it. Use your nose to figure out if the water is clean or not.

Answer 4

I do weekly 20% water changes. I don't have any problems with algae build up or anything.

Answer 5

I do a little cleaning every 8 days or so. A good cleaning every 2-3 mos.

Answer 6

if the aquarium is small the water gets dirty in 15 days and if it is a big one it is better to change the water in 10 days.and give regular food to fish otherwise they may become unhealthy.

Answer 7

you could buy an algae magnet on your dealer and use it. if you have herviborous fish you might want to leave some for them. GOOD LUCk

Answer 8

well it depends on the cleaning system you have.If you have a good cleaning system about 2 or 3 months if it is ok about 1 month if it is a bad sytem you might want to get a new one and it will last about a week.I give my special fishies an extremely good cleaning system.

Answer 9

me personally I believe in pristine water fish are swimming in their own feces so I change at least 50% of my water every week and my fish are healthy and happy!

Answer 10

Yep. get rid of it.