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Top 10 Tips for Controlling Algae Growth in Your Aquarium

10 Easy Ways to Control Algae Growth in Your Aquarium

Updated On August 21st, 2000

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Reviewed By PetCoach Editorial

A small amount of algae is normal in a healthy aquarium. An overgrowth of algae, while unsightly, is typically a symptom of a larger issue in the tank and should be addressed promptly.

#1 - Feed Your Fish Sparingly

One of the most enjoyable times for the new hobbyist is watching the flurry of activity in the aquarium after that pinch or two of fish food hits the surface. Sometimes we're tempted to repeat the show 2-3 times a day, which is fine if your fish consume all the food within a couple minutes. The problems start if there is excess food, which is defined as "overfeeding." Overfeeding is the most common source of the algae feeding nutrients ammonia and phosphate. Algae thrive on both uneaten food and fish waste. Many experienced hobbyists who learn to resist the feeding frenzy and only feed once daily - or smaller portions 2-3 times daily - find it's much easier to keep the unwanted green in check.

#2 - Control the Aquarium Lights

If you turn on your aquarium lights when you wake up and turn them off before bed, the extended light cycle may be encouraging extra algae growth. Put your lights on a timer to replicate a day/night schedule and stick to it. Keep lights on 8-12 hours per day for planted aquariums, and 6-10 for ornamental setups. Also, change bulbs at least once a year. Aquarium fluorescent bulbs lose their spectrum and intensity as they age; this spectral shift will likely encourage algae growth.

#3 - Change Aquarium Water Regularly

In nature, rain and water currents refresh water conditions by diluting and carrying away nutrients (aka algae fertilizer) before it can build up to excessive levels. Your closed aquarium system, however, requires regular water changes to remove excess nutrients. Ideally, 10 to 25% every 2–4 weeks is sufficient, but may need to be increased based on specific aquarium needs. It's also a chance to siphon up all the debris and decaying plant matter in your substrate.

#4 - Test Your Tap Water

It is a good practice to test your tap water before the water changes, because it may contain algae-encouraging elements right out of the faucet. If the test results show significant levels of phosphates or other algae inducing elements, your battle against algae via water changes will be futile until they are reduced by some form of water purification like a RO (reverse osmosis) unit or a tap water filter.

#5 - Maintain Your Aquarium Filter Media

Keep algae's favorite nutrient out of your aquarium with phosphate-controlling media and biological boosters for your filtration system. The right choice of filter media can make a big difference in phosphate levels: Poly Filters will remove phosphate and heavy metals, and provide an indication of existing problems by changing color. Combination Carbon-Phosphate Remover products are also available. The carbon keeps your water crystal clear and helps absorb dissolved organics, and the phosphate levels are reduced. Finally, change your mechanical and chemical media once a month, because as it becomes exhausted and saturated, it may leach the bad stuff back into your aquarium.

#6 - Choose Your Weapons

Algae on glass or acrylic has no chance against convenient scrapers like the Mag-Float, or [Algae Magnet Cleaner](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/imagitarium-floating-magnetic-scraper). What do you have under your aquarium cabinet?

#7 - Increase Competition with Plants

The more plants in your aquarium, the less chance algae has of taking over. [Plants](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/fish/live-plants) compete directly with algae for light and nutrients, and most often win if given proper conditions.

#8 - Stock with Algae-Hungry Catfish

Put some fish in your community to work on cleanup duty. While many algae-eating Plecos grow far too large for small aquariums, the Otocinclus Catfish is just the right size. This hardy worker seems endlessly busy, seeking out any plant or structure with a hint of algae. Another small catfish, the Cory Cat, patrols the bottom of your aquarium, vacuuming up excess fish food and plant leaves before they can rot and turn into dangerous ammonia and increasing algae feeding nitrates.

#9 - Know Your Enemy

  • Green Carpet Algae, which covers glass and structures is relatively easiest to clean because we have the most weapons against it: scrubbers, catfish, invertebrates.
  • Green Hair Algae is more stubborn, and even catfish and plecos may avoid it. Your best bet may be to "spaghetti fork" it off your plants and structures with an Aqua Plant Clip. Again, your best protection starts with water quality so you don't have to roll up your sleeves later.
  • Beard Algae is the black scourge of planted aquarium hobbyists. A major takeover by this unsightly guest may only be remedied by pruning away covered leaves and removing affected driftwood and decor and cleaning outside of the aquarium.

#10 - Know When Some Algae is OK Take a moment to sit back and look at your planted aquarium. Does it look natural? Is there a hint of green covering driftwood or rocks which makes the structures blend in with the underwater garden? If it's not covering your glass or choking out the leaves of your plants, there's little reason to panic. Algae may be unsightly, but it actually consumes excess nutrients and provides oxygen. No one "wins" the battle against algae. Success is finding a natural balance in your closed ecosystem.

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