It doesn’t matter if your fish tank is fresh or salty, big or small, new or old: Algae will grow inside.
Algae control is an ongoing responsibility that requires time, attention, and expertise.
Take it from us; we’ve been cleaning aquariums in businesses for almost 15 years.
Whether you’re a client of Serenity, a potential client, or just an interested aquarist, you should know some ways to control algae in a fish tank.
And that’s exactly what you’ll get out of this post!
What Causes Algae in a Fish Tank?
Algae are like the typical plant; they flourish in environments with lots of water, nutrients, and light.
These are in abundance in a fish tank, so algae grow naturally, and sometimes very quickly.
Why Do I Need to Remove Algae?
In a fish tank, a natural process occurs to maintain livable water conditions.
This process eliminates harmful bacteria, but it also causes algae growth.
So, surprisingly, a small amount of algae signifies a healthy tank, but it will need to be removed eventually.
This algae-producing process is called the Nitrogen Cycle.
The Nitrogen Cycle
This Nitrogen Cycle works by oxidizing harmful bacteria in the water and making them less toxic.
Here’s a brief overview of this natural process:
- Fish waste and decaying material create ammonia (very toxic to fish)
- Nitrosomonas oxidize ammonia and produce nitrites (less toxic, but still lethal)
- Nitrobacter oxidize nitrites and produce nitrates, also known as algae (much less toxic)
- Algae will continue to grow in the tank until we change the water and reset the cycle
So, while algae growth is the only visible stage of this cycle, it’s actually the least toxic.
Some algae growth is a sign that your tank is cycling through, so small amounts are nothing to worry about.
However, long-term exposure will start to hurt your fish, so regular cleaning is important.
Plus, say your aquarium is displayed in an office lobby or nursing home, an algae-filled tank will become more of a liability than an asset.
How To Stop Algae in a Fish Tank
Sorry to disappoint, but you really can’t.
If you have fish in an aquarium, there will be nutrients, there will be light, and there will be algae.
If you’re asking yourself, “Why is my fish tank getting dirty so fast?”, we have some answers!
Here are 7 tips from our service pros who deal with algae every day.
7 Ways to Control Algae in a Fish Tank
1) Get The Right Size Fish
Fish are the main culprits in algae production.
Their waste, among other things, produces harmful ammonia in the water and begins the Nitrogen Cycle (mentioned above).
This is, of course, unavoidable, so what can we do about it?
The larger the fish you have, the more waste getting produced, which produces a lot of bacteria. This bacteria then turns to algae.
You should also consider the relationship between fish waste and the amount of water in a tank.
If you have big fish crammed in a small tank, there will be significant algae growth.
If you have smaller fish in a spacious aquarium, there will be much less waste and algae production.
2) Remember to Turn Off the Fish Tank Lights
Many aquarists light up their tank through the night.
This is also common in healthcare and hospitality facilities that provide services around the clock.
The problem is, constant light is a major cause of algae growth.
To control algae, fish tank lights should be on for no more than 8-10 hours per day.
This day/night schedule is also important for the fish.
They may not sleep like we land mammals, but fish do rest, and turning the lights off helps with that.
It’s best to find a light with a timer that automatically turns on and off when you specify (equipped on each Serenity Aquarium).
3) Consider Where You Place the Fish Tank
Since we’re on the subject of light, remember that direct sunlight can also create lots of algae.
We all love the sight of a glistening fish tank and it makes for an excellent decoration in a lobby or foyer—Just prepare for more algae growth.
You don’t have to put your fish tank in a dark closet, either.
Display it how you’d like, stay on top of algae removal, and you can sustain a healthy fish tank.
4) Don’t Over Feed The Fish
Overfeeding is also a primary cause of algae growth.
Uneaten food in a tank starts to decay, and this contributes to the ammonia and other bacteria in the Nitrogen Cycle.
To avoid this, watch your fish the next time you drop food in the tank.
Are they eating up all the food? Or is there a lot going uneaten?
If it’s the latter, you may want to adjust the amount of food per meal.
There are many auto fish feeders (also equipped on Serenity Aquariums) to make this easier.
These useful tools drop in the correct amount of food at the times we specify, taking the guessing game out of feeding our fish.
5) Regularly Clean Algae off the Glass
Algae will collect on the glass of your fish tank, making the water look cloudy.
For the best view, you should scrape algae off the glass a few times per week, or whenever you see fit.
Just remember, the longer that algae collect on the glass, the harder it will be to remove it later.
This task only takes a few minutes and you can use a tool like a magnetic scraper so you never have to get your hands wet.
6) Include Algae-Eating Fish
Adding algae-eating fish is a natural way to remove algae from a fish tank.
These fish actively graze on the glass walls and decor in the tank, consuming algae along the way.
However, it’s important to research the specific needs and compatibility of algae-eating fish with your existing fish and plants.
This ensures that the tank provides enough algae to sustain them.
7) Regular Water Changes
The only true way to keep algae in check is to conduct water changes.
Most personal and commercial aquariums are dirty and unhealthy because there isn’t a dedicated cleaning schedule.
Water changes consist of replacing some of the water, cleaning algae off the glass and decor, cleaning the substrate, and maintaining the filtration system.
If you’re a business owner, administrator, etc., your team probably doesn’t have time for this.
Our aquarium services ensure that your tank receives the consistent water changes it needs.
Take the next step and let us handle the algae in your facility’s fish tank!
Final Thoughts
Algae growth is inevitable, but with a proactive approach and a few easy steps, we can minimize its impact.
By considering factors like the size and type of fish, feeding habits, lighting, tank placement, and regular cleaning, you can take control over algae in your aquarium.
Remember, our goal isn’t to completely eradicate algae; Our goal is to keep aquariums healthier for longer.
Small amounts of algae mean that the tank is cycling properly and there are a lot of good nutrients in the water.
That being said, we should still keep algae production to a minimum.
By using these 7 tips and strategies, we make a noticeable difference in the view of our tanks and the health of our aquatic friends.
