How to Stop Algae Growth

Algae are like the weeds in your garden. They come in different colours and types such as Red Slime and Hair Algae, and some are harder to get rid of than others. Green spot algae is probably the most common form growing in aquariums.

Algae grows mainly because of excess light, but it is never limited to that factor alone. If your aquarium is positioned where it will recieve direct sunlight, algae problems will arise. If algae is growing on your plants or decor, you may want to position them where they will not recieve much light.

Getting algae eaters for your aquarium can help combat some of the types, but you may still need an algae scrubber which can be found at your local fish store. Different algae eaters will eat different types of algae. Some may stop eating it when they grow larger, and some may even fight with your other fish! Just like when buying fish, you should find the maximum size of whichever type you want to buy.

Snails are common algae eaters, but some types will start reproducing like crazy and you might find yourself with an aquarium full of snails! Most types will slide around your tank unintrusively while cleaning it up. If you want snails, you might not necessarily need to go out and buy them. The snails in my tank tagged along with the live plants I bought, and fortunately, they are not reproducing madly.

Eventually, when there is no more algae your algae eater will eat, it will starve, so you will have to feed it with special foods. This is why it is not necessary to get an algae eater as a preventative measure, as it will need special requirements.

Some common tropical fish, such as the platy and and certain mollies will eat trace amounts of algae. This can prevent the algae from growing into large amounts, but certainly will not clean up an algae invasion.

If you do not already have algae problems in your aquarium, consider yourself lucky!