Ok To Scrub Off Algae?

I've been letting algae grow on the back glass and decorations in my aquarium as I've read it can help the water quality since it is technically a plant. Now that my cycle seems to be under control, and my anacharis plant is growing like crazy, is it ok to start scrubbing it off that back glass and to scrub my decorations? Also, for the decorations, what do you reccomend to scrub them good? Going to be doing a large water change tonight so want to take care of it then.

 

You can use soft sponges on glass and small brushes for decoration, The algae will spread faster if left in the aquarium and it will be difficult to eradicate I would recommend provide appropriate lighting for not less than eight hours a day. check your phosphate level, Using filtered water from a RO unit controls the growth of algae as this water is free from nitrates and silicates. Check the water from your tap to see if it contains silicates, this is a common cause of algae grow.

 

I sometimes use a toothbrush (new, and only for this purpose) on wood and stone to remove algae.

You can do fewer than 8 hours of lighting - with some lighting, 5-7 or so hours is fine.

 

I like to scrub it off with a siphon hose . . . just the tip of the hose and I don't get it all, but I also don't get really green water from spreading algae all over the tank.

I loosen that algae and just siphon it right out.

 

thanks for the tips! will see if I can't get stuff cleaned up some tonight. so is it less light to inhibit algae growth, or more light? I just have a regular led light that came with my tank kit. I turn it on in the morning when I leave for work and off before bed.

 

Do less light if you have an algae problem. I would keep it at 6-8 hours. You can get a cheap timer from Walmart or the like for around $3-4.

 

If the tank is getting a lot of sunlight from a window you might want to cover it during the brightest part of the day.