How can I prevent algae from growing so quickly?

Question

I have a 5 gallon fish tank with two young koi fish in it, and they appear to be producing A LOT of algae and it's really gross looking.

My boyfriend and I bought one of those magnets that cleans it off the side of the tanks, but there's still the issue of it growing on the rocks, and it's not that pleasing to look at, and I'm not sure if it's bad for my fish.

I went to a pet store about it and they said to just do water changes once a week, and that doesn't seem to be working for me. He also said that "algae eaters" don't make a huge difference at all, and really.. they don't even do anything. I don't like those things anyways, 'cause they're really ugly.

So what can I do to slow down or get rid of the algae without having to interrupt my fish? I don't think it would be good for them if I were to take them out of the tank every time I want to clean their rocks.

I have done research on this. I've asked 5 different pet shops. I've looked all over my local pet stores too.


Also, my koi fish are only 2 inches long. I only have two. They're very active and healthy fish. They're just babies and the tank is not too small. They are only staying there until I can get enough money for a larger tank.

Answer 1

This is screwed up on so many levels that it's hard to know where to start.
(1)The tank is way to small for Koi or Goldfish of any kind!
(2) The rapid growth of algae indicates that the tank is not being kept clean.
(3) Algae eaters do work in properly managed tanks,but in a tank this size,with fish that should be in a pond,it'll never happen.
(4) It's not necessary to remove fish to clean rocks,just rocks.
(5) What's really ugly is what you are doing to those fish.
Please do the tons of research that will be necessary for you to understand the problem and then straighten things out.

Answer 2

The koi can't produce algae but your close. They produce ammonia, which is turned to nitrite by nitrosomus which is turbed to nitrate by nitrobacter. The nitrates is not turned into anything so that's where plants get their nutrients (aquarium plants and algae).

Your tank is over crowded right now. I would either return the fish to the store, give it to someone who has the space while your getting a bigger tank or just sell them.

The algae on the rocks can be quickly removed by scrub (don't use soap!). Some fish. such as algae eaters (otocinclus catfish and plecos) would survive with this algae since they eat them. But it depends what type of algae you have.

Your pet stores is right, the algae eaters wouldn't make much difference. Water changes and algae scrubbers would be the best result.

I would recommend you to get huge amount of plants so the plants can out number the the algae by eating most of the nutrients that are stored in your tank. No, you can just take out the rock and clean it with warm water.

The reason that you aquarium stores said just to do water changes is to get nitrates and phosphate (another type of plant foos for algae and plants) from building up in your tank. So, that's why.

Well, good luck

Answer 3

decrease the tank lighting fixtures to in basic terms some hours according to day, once you're abode to have a good time with the tank. Ambient lighting fixtures is sufficient for the fish - they don't 'want' the aquarium mild on for 10 or 12 hours according to day or this manner of nonsense, till you have stay plant life. additionally, do not overfeed, and do save up with tank maintenance which consists of commonplace vacuuming and water alterations. do not overstock the tank, or you get greater waste, and greater algae. then you definately will nonetheless have some algae enhance, even nonetheless it is going to be minimum and actually scraped off. Algae IS a common manufactured from A healthful AQUARIUM. you only ought to decrease its enhance. don't get an algae eater, they're messy, upload to the waste in the tank, and encourage algae enhance even at the same time as they consume it - and maximum algae eaters get lazy with it - they must be fed different meals.

Answer 4

First of all koi fish are more of a pond fish if you are going to have them indoors them you are going to need a bigger tank. That will definatly help out a lot. If you were to get a gravel vac for your tank you wouldnt need to take them out of the tank as long as you dont let the water get too low while doing it. If you check around you local pet store also some stores carry a chemical that you can put into the tank to specially get rid of algae. Thats the best advice that I can give. I hope it helps.

Answer 5

You might need to reduce the amount of light in the tank. If the tank is sitting where it can get direct sunlight you should move it to a darker location. Most tanks should only get somewhere between 8 to 12 hours each day. If you still have a problem you can get algae distroyer which will help to reduce its grouth.

Good luck.

Answer 6

algae is actually already in the water, and depending on the area you put the tank they could be flourishing- do you have it near a window? the sunlight will make it grow more!
getting a small algae eater might make a difference, depending on the type...
you could also think about getting a snail- unless you have live plants.
but snails are really hardy and they eat a lot! :)

Answer 7

God damn, you dont want to get an algae eater because their ugly... They are fish! Get an algae eater and yes they do do stuff mostly when it's nigh and dark. Sometimes they will come out during the day and clean. Mine get's all the algae out. That is my final recomendation.

Answer 8

You could put live plants in your tank to replace the fake ones. The algae won't be able to compete for nutrients with the live plants.

Edit- Your tank is also too small.

Answer 9

I got a algae eating fish, but it didnty help much. the best bet is to keep it away from sunshine.