Keeping the Growth of Freshwater Tank Algae Under Control

A freshwater tank is much more than a lovely ecosystem for fish and plants. It is a small ecosystem of diverse creatures that can include shrimps, snails, and yes, even freshwater tank algae. Algae can thrive and multiply quickly. These characteristics could allow them to grow out of control and turn your whole tank green while providing an unsightly aquarium and even kill your fish.

There are several ways to control algae. Many times, an algae problem can take care of itself by utilizing excess nutrients. After awhile, the amount of nutrients available is consumed and the algae subside. At this time it would be good to clean your tank, if you haven’t already. The decaying algae can actually reduce the amount of oxygen in your tank that would normally be available to your fish. Aside from regularly cleaning your tank, you can also provide different kinds of helpful algae eaters in your tank such as shrimp, snails, and catfish. You can also decrease the chances of algae problems by having an adequate filter system and not overloading your tank with fish.

The plecostomus catfish, for instance is herbivorous which is highly adaptable and easygoing. When it is not busy grazing on algae off of driftwood and rocks, it is happily busy cleaning off algae from your aquarium glass.

Another technique to control algae growth would be to not over-feed your aquarium fish. The more food you add, the more waste our fish will excrete. Further, excess food will decay at the bottom of your tank, and fish that might scavenge will not because there is plenty of other food available from you. The amount of heat, light, and filtration also play an important role in keeping the growth of freshwater tank algae within control.

There are many variables to consider when keeping a tropical tank free of algae. Some include not over-stocking your fish tank, not over-feeding your fish, having adequate filtration, and maintaining the temperature and light conditions favorable to your fish and plants, while keeping algae in your freshwater aquarium under control.