THE SOLUTION TO ALGAE IN AQUARIUMS

THE SOLUTION TO ALGAE IN AQUARIUMS

THE SOLUTION TO ALGAE IN AQUARIUMS

Algae can be a real nuisance, detracting from the beauty of your aquarium. So, how do we solve the algae problem? Read on to find out!

Why does algae grow in your tank?

Algae growth is always due to an imbalance in the tank. By imbalance, I mean having too much of one element and not enough of another. For example, if you leave your lights on from the moment you wake up until you get home, you're providing an excessive amount of light and inconsistent lighting times, as you may not turn the lights on and off at the same time every day.

If you use CO2 in your tank, algae can also thrive due to inconsistent CO2 levels. To address this, synchronize your CO2 system with the same timer you use for your lights.

Sometimes, finding the right balance between light, fertilizer, and CO2 requires a bit of experimentation. If you notice a lot of algae growth, try increasing CO2 or decreasing the amount of fertilizer and light exposure.

Increasing CO2 levels can cause plants to grow faster, thereby consuming more nutrients. This reduces the excess nutrients available in the water column, which algae would otherwise use to grow.

Before you use harmful algae killers

Consider these helpful tips before resorting to harmful algaecides, which can risk the health of your snails, shrimp, or other crustaceans. There are safer and more effective ways to control algae and prevent it from returning.

Possible Causes of Algae:

  • Lights are on too long
  • No timer for the lights
  • Overfeeding
  • Over-fertilizing
  • Lack of water changes

Helpful Solutions:

  1. Use a timer: Set your lights for 6-8 hours of light each day.
  2. Feed less frequently: Feed your fish every other day and reduce the amount of food.
  3. Reduce fertilizer use: If you're dosing fertilizer 3-4 times a week, try reducing it to 2 times a week with 2-3 days between each dose.
  4. Maintain a clean tank: Algae thrive on excess nutrients and waste. Keep your tank clean and only provide enough food and fertilizer for your fish and plants.

Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2): You can use H2O2 to kill algae quickly, but if you don't address the root cause, the algae will return. To use, dose 2-4 tablespoons of H2O2 per 10 gallons of water in your aquarium. Use a syringe or turkey baster to apply the H2O2 directly onto the algae. Wait 15 minutes after applying, then be sure to do a 50% water change to avoid harming your fish.

Clean-up crew: Siamese Algae Eaters (SAE), cory cats, and shrimp (bamboo, amano, ghost) can help control algae. While they won't prevent algae, they can help manage the amount in your tank. Some fish, like gouramis, will also eat specific types of algae, such as black beard algae.

UV sterilizer: Consider using a UV sterilizer as part of your algae control strategy.

     

    In summary:

    1. Use a timer to set your lights for 6-8 hours a day.
    2. Avoid overfeeding your fish.
    3. Don't over-fertilize.
    4. Instead of resorting to quick fixes like algae killers, identify and address the underlying causes of algae growth to prevent it from returning.

    Thanks for reading, I hope this helps!

    Also, be sure to check out my floating magnet cleaner to help scrub algae off the glass!

    - Marcus

     

     

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