How to Prevent and Remove Algae Issues in Nature Aquariums

Algae can cause problems for any serious aquarist. It's unsightly and makes it harder to see your perfectly sculpted Aqua Design Amano (ADA) aquascape, or other nature aquariums. It also competes with your plants and can be a sign that your water parameters aren't optimally balanced.

How can you prevent this problematic aquarium resident from taking root, or remove it if it has already established itself? Let's find out.

How to Prevent Algae Growth

The most effective way to regulate algae growth is to prevent it altogether. 

We're not going to tell you that you can run a completely algae-free aquarium. Algae is present on plant leaves, in fish food and in various other ways you can't control. However, you have options for managing it and preventing it from taking over.

Control Light Exposure

Many beginner aquarists place their aquariums in direct sunlight. While offering natural light to both plants and fish may seem like a good idea, it can potentially be devastating. Sunlight causes the water temperature to rise and encourages algae growth, especially in regions with long daylight hours.

A better approach is to use a controllable aquarium light. It allows you to create a day-night cycle for the aquarium without encouraging algae growth or overheating the tank.

Do Regular Partial Water Changes

While water changes seem inconsequential, they play an essential role in keeping algae levels down. Algae flourish in the presence of nitrites and nitrates, which they feed on. By performing regular partial water changes (approximately 50% every week), you can make a significant difference in your aquarium's health.

In smaller ADA aquariums, you can use the Lily pipe as an outflow pipe to drain water. It generally serves as part of the water filtration and circulation systems, but it's a fantastic way to drain water quickly.

Schedule Parameter Testing

Concerning nitrites and nitrates, testing water parameters regularly is also essential. Balancing the pH, nitrites, nitrates and ammonia helps to avoid algae growth and keep your aquarium's inhabitants healthy.

Use a water testing kit to test all essential parameters once every week or two, and balance the parameters as needed.

Feed Small Amounts Regularly

If you keep fish in your nature-themed aquarium, overfeeding is a common cause of algal growth. Uneaten food leads to spikes in nitrites and nitrates, which in turn feed the algae. To overcome this, ensure you feed your fish small amounts regularly, rather than large amounts less frequently.

Incorporate Live Plants

One thing you can do to minimize the potential for algal growth is to create competition. In an aquascape or natural aquarium, plants are a given. When you add live plants, they can use the available nutrients and carbon dioxide to grow. 

Planting nutrient-hungry plants eliminates potential food sources for the algae, reducing the likelihood that algae will grow in your tank.

Maintain Filtration and Water Circulation

Top-quality filtration is essential for preventing and eliminating algal growth. It helps control nitrites and nitrates and removes some algae spores before they can bloom. 

For removing algae, canister filters are exceptionally well-suited. They remove even microscopic particles to minimize the chances of an algal bloom. Note that the water output from these devices can be powerful. As a result, they're generally unsuitable for aquariums with sensitive plants or inhabitants. 

Install an Algae Inhibitor 

One excellent way to prevent algae growth is to install an algae inhibitor reactor. The Twinstar II Nano Plus is an excellent example. It works by eliminating algae spores when they sprout, using a nontoxic nano-bubble technique that breaks cell walls.

How to Remove Existing Algae Growth

If you already have algal growth in your aquarium, eliminating it will require a bit more effort. Here are a few things you can do.

Manual Removal

The most straightforward way to eliminate algal growth is to remove it by hand. When algal growth occurs on the glass, you can easily use a tool like the ADA Pro Razor to scrape it off. You can also use ADA Pro Brush to brush algae off stones and driftwoods. ADA soil scraper can be used to remove blue green algae between the glass and the substrate.

Cleanup Crews

Another way to control existing algae populations is by incorporating live animals that like eating algae. Some good options include Nerite snails, which love eating algae but don't harm plants, and Amano shrimp (and other Caridina or Neocaridina species), which love to consume algae.

One advantage of this approach is that your cleanup crew will also address leftover fish food and other potential issues.

Correcting Imbalances

As mentioned earlier, if you notice massive algal blooms, it's time to check and adjust your water parameters. Typically, that would mean a relatively minor adjustment. If you've reached a heavy algal bloom, you may need to do water changes multiple times a week in addition to the standard adjustments.

Maintain an Algae-Free Aquarium With Premium Products From ADA

You can run an aquarium that isn't constantly green and doesn't require daily water changes to manage the algae levels. Whether you're running an ADA Cube aquarium or other aquariums, AFA has all the products you need to have an aquarium that isn't overrun by algae. 

Order the product you need today, or get in touch so our team can help you find the right one for your needs.