

Tired of going to sleep with a clean tank and waking up to a green haze?

Algae blooms are one of the biggest problems facing any aquarium owner. There are so many variables that help or contribute to the problem, and so many different types of algae, that dealing with it can quickly become a headache. And like a headache, out of control algae problems are usually a symptom of another underlying issue. In this article we’ve compiled a list of steps any aquarist can take to help prevent an algae attack in your aquarium!

Combining knowledge of your aquatic adversary and taking these 6 actions can greatly increase the chances of preventing algae in aquariums.

1) Minimize light exposure to your tank

While your aquarium does look beautiful when admired among natural sunlight, the algae feeds off of it. Simply put, algae is an aquatic plant that undergoes the same photosynthetic processes as your garden.

Make sure to keep your tank away from areas that receive direct sunlight. If it must be near a window, install curtains so that you can control the amount of sunlight your aquarium receives.

Aside from that, setting up your lights with automatic timers can help any aquarist who hasn’t the time for strict hands-on monitoring.

2) Avoid overfeeding your fish

Feeding is one of the exciting parts of being a tank owner. But, beware of overfeeding.

Excess fish food can cause high ammonia and phosphate levels in your tank, and both of these will fuel algae growth.

Limiting your feeding to small amounts of food that can be consumed in small amounts of time is a great way to keep your tank clean, and your fish on a steady feeding schedule.

3) Replenish your tank with the right water

Although using tap water and/or well water in some freshwater tanks is sometimes acceptable, using filtered water is generally a much safer option. Tap water and well water contain high amounts of nitrates and phosphates that promote algae growth.

No matter how often you clean your tank or what kind of filtering system you may use, replenishing your tank with tap/well water will only act against you. Take the time to use filtered water and save yourself the hassle of constant cleaning and refilling.

4) Avoid excess nutrient levels by minimizing additives

Tank additives have their place, and are sometimes helpful to maintain a healthy tank ecosystem, but overusing them can result in excess nutrient levels and enable algae growth.

Algaecides are an absolute last resort for ridding a tank of algae overgrowth. Many of them contain chemicals that are harmful to your fish. Good up-front prevention of algae growth will ensure that you don’t have to use algaecides in the first place.

5) Clean your tank regularly and thoroughly

Fish waste contains high levels of ammonia and nitrates, which allow algae to grow and thrive.

Experts recommend thorough cleaning of your tank at least once a week.

6) Keep Your Tank Cool During Warm Summer Months

In summer months it can be hard to keep your tank cool without breaking the bank, but high temperatures not only pose a risk to fish and coral, they are a sure way to kick off a algae bloom!