How to Kill Algae in Your Aquarium

An Algae-Free Aquarium

Do you want to know how to kill algae in your aquarium? Algae can become an unsightly problem that ruins the beauty of your fish tank. It can also deplete your home aquarium of the water' s oxygen. In turn, you fish may struggle to breathe in a tank that has been taken hostage by the green algae. Please follow all these steps for optimal results to rid your aquarium of the slime. Your aquarium will begin to restore itself to normal. It will begin to sparkle and have a crystal-clear shine!!!

Things You'll Need

• You will need the items listed in article for best results.

Instructions

1. 

   Clean Tank

   Clean tank by gently removing debris on aquarium glass with a sterile (chemical-free) scrub brush. Scrape and scrub the sides of the tank with the clean brush.
   Also, do partial water changes to get rid of the tiny algae blooms that are floating in the water.

2. 

   Filtration System

   Do you have an older aquarium? If so, it is highly likely that the out-of-date filtration system needs complete replacement. Bio-Wheel filtration is great to combat algae problems.
   In addition, it is necessary to change your filters every 4-6 weeks to maintain a clean tank.

3. 

   Where is your tank?

   Keep your tank away from windows. Sunlight dramatically increases the likelihood of algae overgrowth.
   Since algae loves the sun, move it from this light source. Relocate your tank away from the windows.

4. 

   Algaecides

   You can purchase products online or at your local fish store. Algaecides can be very effective in killing algae. However, be sure to implement the other strategies. A product will help but is not a quick fix, by itself. Most brands are comparable to one another. Pick your choice of weapon.

5. 

   Snails or Algae-Eaters

   These aquatic friends can eat algae build-up. Snails seem to be better at cleaning up the tank. Either way, this is a natural way to get rid of algae.

6. 

   Aquarium Lighting

   Do not keep your aquarium lights on - all day and all night. In fact, it is beneficial to keep lighting to a minimum (for example-while feeding fish) when your tank suffers from an overgrowth of algae.
   Lamps and lights are just another source that promotes algae growth.

7. 

   Plants

   It sounds strange, but it's true. Why have a well-planted tank? A living plant competes for the same resources as algae does. Algae also has a life of its own. Therefore, strong plants will keep algae from growing even more out of control. Amazon Sword is a nice starter plant that only needs moderate care.

8. 

   Do Not Overfeed

   Too much food in the water, leaves excess nutrients. Algae uses these nutrients for its growth. A small pinch of fish food a day is usually good for most average-sized tanks. Decrease or increase amount of food, according to size and number of fish in your tank.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not want to buy snails or algae-eaters, there are other options. There are some fish (such as barbs) and shrimp that like to eat algae.

• Keep in mind that most plants and aquatic animals like to like to live in certain types of water. ALWAYS find out what items are best for fresh vs. salt-water tanks. This will save you time and money.

• Always seek professional advice when making changes to your aquarium' s environment. You do not want to lose your expensive fish-friends because of poor advice.

• Do NOT use chemicals for cleaning your aquarium.

• Clean but do NOT over-clean your tank. Research this topic...if you need more information. Fish need some healthy bacteria, to stay healthy. :-)