How Do I Stop My Fish Tank Turning Green So Fast?
August 28, 2017
Freshwater aquariums are so beautiful, you just have to stop and admire them every time you’re in the pet store. But these professionals know all the tricks and hacks to keeping their tanks healthy and looking good. Green, cloudy, smelly, algae-infested tanks, you will not see at your local aquarium, and yet it is one of the most common problems to affect home aquariums.
So how do you keep your tank from turning green?
The first thing you need to know is that green water algae like this shouldn’t harm your fish. So don’t worry. Your fish should survive. However, you still want to control the environment and get your tank back to its sparkling, beautiful self.
First, let’s look at the causes of algae build-up in your fish tank.
The green you’re seeing in your tank is called algae bloom, a single cell organism that multiplies like crazy, given the right conditions. The two things that algae bloom needs to thrive are:
- Water with high levels of phosphates
- Too much light
Algae Bloom Loves Phosphates
To stay on top of algae growth, most aquarium owners will follow the 20-25% rule of replacing their fish tank water. But it doesn’t have any effect; your tank water keeps turning green.
The problem with changing your water is that most water sources contain high levels of phosphates and in a lot of areas, municipal water is high in nitrates. Algae loves phosphates and nitrates, and combined with light will make it bloom and bloom and bloom!
Algae Loves Light
The other thing that many aquarists will do is make sure their tank isn't in direct sunlight. But a lot of people find that doesn't make much of a difference either. The algae keeps coming back.
But it could be your hood light. It doesn’t matter if it’s sunlight or fluorescent light, algae can thrive in just about any kind of light, provided there are enough phosphates in the water. So turn off your tank light while you’re at work or when you’re sleeping and see if that helps.
Are Chemicals The Answer To A Clean Tank?
Most people are reluctant to use algicides in case they harm their fish. If you use too much, you can kill your fish too, so it’s a tough decision. However, some people who do use algicide products still face a regular battle with the algae blooming again. So what do you do when your tank still turns green and nothing you've tried seems to work?
Is there anything else you can try to get rid of algae bloom in your fish tank?
Here are some excellent ways to improve the environment of your aquarium and get rid of green algae bloom:
- Add some plants to your fish tank like Elodea that helps to keep the water clean. Fish love to hang out in the plants when they need some alone time and it also provides them with some greenery to nibble on. It’s also good at keeping algae in control.
- Add some crustaceans to your tank like daphnia. When they’re done feasting on the algae bloom, your fish will love dining on them.
- Add a few algae lovers to your school of fish. As long as they're compatible with your existing fish, they’ll be a welcome addition.
- Install a heavy duty filter system that will cut down on free-floating algae bloom.
- Install a high quality UV filter system. This is the ultimate in green algae water control. Well worth the investment.
Everyone loves a clean tank and when they turn green and you can’t enjoy your fish, it’s a real bummer. So try some of these natural and alternative methods and make sure to limit the light on your tank. Your fish don’t need light, only their keepers do!
by Natalie Secretan
PuppyDogCapers.com