How to Get Rid of Aquarium Algae

Like a slimy green plague, it grows and multiplies and and - if left unchecked - eventually coats your whole fish tank. Algae - the aquarist's bane - has caused more than one hobbyist to quit in disgust, but there's no need to take such drastic measures.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• aquarium algae magnets
• scrub cloths
• hot water
• snails, tadpoles, plecostomus or other scavengers.

1. 
   Dirty little secrets: Note algae on glass, corner and gravel/rocks.

   A little bit of algae isn't necessarily a bad thing. It adds a natural look and some fish enjoy eating it, but as they say, everything in moderation!
   Speaking of cliches, another applicable one is "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". Avoid placing your aquarium where it will get too much sunlight, and don't keep the light on all day. Avoid overfeeding and/or overcrowding your fish to deprive algae of nourishment that will encourage it to thrive.
   Good filtration/aeration and moving water will help keep algae at minimal levels.

2. 
   Tadpoles will voraciously eat algae in coldwater aquariums and garden fishponds.

   You can enlist some natural allies to join the battle. Living (not artificial) plants will absorb nutrients, carbon dioxide and other wastes that algae like. Snails and other "inverts" enjoy grazing on algae and are available in fresh and saltwater species. The plecostomus and certain other cats will lend their sucker mouths to the cause in tropical fish tanks. Tadpoles and pond snails do the dirty deed in outdoor ponds, and koi themselves move around like grazing herds of cattle to feed on the noxious weed. However, even with all these guys helping out you may need to perform an occasional algae exorcism.

3. 
   It's Aquarium Algae Magnet to the rescue!

   My secret weapon of mass destruction is the Aquarium Algae Magnet (and this WMD actually DOES exist). The brilliantly designed device consists of two pieces: one with a handle and magnet, and another with a metal strip underneath a sponge scrubber. The scrubber can be maneuvered inside the tank glass as your hand guides the magnetic piece outside, staying nice and dry.
   Remove leaves of plants that have become covered in algae.
   Scrub any rocks, ornaments, etc. with one of those flat green scrubber cloths - and rinse off in hot water.
   Algae and rocks can be turned to expose their "non-slimed" side and conceal the algae covering as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Sure, it's human nature to let things go until they get out of hand, but it is preferable to do a little bit of algae removal a little more frequently. After all, you never know when guests may be coming by to admire your aquarium!
• Make sure any sponges, etc.; used have not been used with any soap and/or detergents. Keep a supply separate for aquarium use.
• Algae killing chemicals may be a quick fix, but are usually no good for the long run - and may adversely effect desirable flora.

[globewatcher]

on 1/26/2009 I like plecos, but they can get very large. I have found that the bristle nosed pleco is a good algae cleaner and do not grow too big. Well oxygenated water also helps to control (not eliminate) algae.