How can I stop algae coming out of my filter system in my aquarium?

Question

I have a 10 gal aquarium and I have algae float out of my filter system. Do I need a new filter system altogether?

Answer 1

That's actually a pretty common problem. Algae grows on nutrients in the water and with all that water flowing through your filter it's only natural algae would grow there. Even a very well tended aquarium can get some algae in the filter, but do be sure to do your weekly water changes and clean the gravel, that will help reduce the amount that grows in the filter. Wash out the filter from time to time as well, usually when you do your water change. Just rinse it a bit and wipe off the excess algae. A little growing in there isn't a bad thing, it's in the filter instead of in the tank where it will show. The best way to keep it to a reasonable amount that won't brake off and float into the tank is through changing a bit more water when you do your water changes though. This will reduce the amount of nutrients in the water and therefore reduce the algae.

MM

Answer 2

Make sure you clean the filter in very hot water once a month or so and also ensure the tank is not near any natural light source *windows*. Turn the tank light off at night and I suggest getting a couple cory catfish to assist in cleaning...they are small and will not take over your tank the way other algae eating fish will...

Answer 3

Its normal. To save a lot of money get the filter elements that come as bags you fill yourself and jars of activated charcoal and zeolite. You can find these at pet stores. The mass market stores usually only carry the disposable pre-filled pouches which are too expensive. You can probably get by with only two bags at a time for a 40 gallon tank. It is extremely important that you regularly change out some water to prevent build up of dissolved solids. I always vacuum the gravel and then refill with aged water thus killing two birds at once. Good luck and enjoy.

Answer 4

clean out the filter. You may not be aware of how much gunk is building up in it. If you don't have the papers your filter came with go to it with a screwdriver or go to the owners website, usually they have all the manuals online. Once it is clean of debris it will probably not emit algae and will do a much better job of cleaning your tank.

Answer 5

Depends on the filter system, mine I can take apart and clean.

Answer 6

when i get that in my fish i use boiling hot water and clean the filter out of the tank to kill the alge and give the tank a full clean. this always working of my tank.

Answer 7

replace filter, if not the problem...then probably replace the whole filter system that's what we just had to do....good luck, weje

Answer 8

Do you need to replace the filter cartridge?