Yodi

I saw a photo of an aquarium that was just taken over with green algae! I'm a beginner and don't have my fish In the tank yet. How do you control the algae? Do you need special chemicals or something like that? I don't want a green tank!

Yodi

bbfeckawitts

You don't need to worry if you don't get it! More common is Brown algae that can be easily washed off, or eaten by a sucker fish.

COBettaCouple

If you get algae, you can control it with algae-eating fish like otos. Plecos can work as well, but most are for large tanks (55g+) & put out a lot of waste (dwarf plecos can work in tanks smaller than 55g). Apple or Mystery snails (big waste producers) can work as well, depending on tank size & what kind of fish you have. Ghost shrimp can be used too if you have no fish that would eat them.

You can also clean algae off the glass with cleaning magnets from the pet store or can go the chemical route. I think the best way is otos. They're small fish and can fit into most tanks.

sgould

Prevention can go a long ways too. Be careful not to place your tank in a location that receives a lot of direct sunlight. Don't leave the tank light on for more than a few hours at a time. Be careful about not overfeeding. These types of steps can help prevent algae outbreaks to begin with.

Yodi

Great! Thanks everyone, I'm definately keeping notes. My tank Is so Incredibly clean and pretty I'm almost afraid to put fish In It. :O)

Yodi