How To Get Rid Of Brown Algae In Fish Tank?

If you have a fish tank, you might be familiar with the brown substance which can take over the aquatic environment quickly. It is brown algae, a common concern for new aquariums that isn’t so good for the home of your fish. The good news is that it is harmless if kept under control. Keep reading this guide and learn how to get rid of brown algae in the fish tank.

1. Use bottom feeders

The most efficient and simplest way to remove algae from the fish tank is to add some bottom fish feeders which can scavenge algae and other scraps for food. Since these are typically low-maintenance pets, you don’t have to spend too much time for them. Some common options that are non-aggressive and gentle include shrimp, cory catfish, and plecos. Consider choosing snails or shrimp if you don’t want to have much waste in the tank.

Keep in mind to buy the right ratio and number because some bottom feeders can be aggressive with each other when fighting over a female. Also, introduce them carefully by turning off the lights and floating the bag in the water before releasing. If you worry about any parasites or disease, it’s better to put them in quarantine for a few days to check.

Here are a few bottom feeders to choose for your fish tank:

2. Turn down the light

Too much light is one of the main reasons for algae growth in your fish tank. Thus, if you are placing it an area with direct sunlight, then move it to a more shaded space. Also, only turn on the aquarium lights when you need to view. Ideally, you should keep lights on around 6 to 10 hours each day for an ornamental setup, and 10 to 14 hours each day for a planted aquarium. Also, make sure to change bulbs once per year.

3. Use an algae solution

Another way to deal with this issue is to use an algae solution, an unnatural tablet, powder, or liquid which can clear away most of the algae in your fish tank. However, keep in mind that these products can be not so gentle to fish, so you need to use them very carefully. In turn, they can be a quick and effective solution.

Read the instructions on the label and put the needed amount into the fish tank. If you add too much, it might kill the fish, and if you don’t add enough, it would have no or little effect. It often takes a few days before the algae disappear. After that, make sure to change the water to remove extra chemicals.

4. Change the water regularly

Another cause of brown algae is that the tank is being covered with too much waste and other residues. Thus, it is necessary to change the water on a regular basis to impede its growth. Changing around 20 percent of the tank’s water every week could result in a massive reduction in the amount of algae. Do not exceed this because it would disrupt the natural balance in the aquarium.

5. Ensure the filtration

Another way to reduce fish waste and prevent the growth of brown algae is to ensure the filtration system always work well. The more it can filter, the cleaner the water would be. Also, consider adding bubbler systems to add more oxygen to the aquarium. Keep in mind to clean the filter regularly and make sure it is not clogged.

6. Keep the fish tank clean

Cleaning your fish tank is inevitable to remove brown algae and create an ideal environment for your fish. This includes scrubbing off algae, syphoning fish waste, and cleaning the tank.

Firstly, you need to take out all the aquarium ornaments and decorations and put them in a small bucket filled with clean water. Gently scrub away the algae with a sponge or bleach. Similarly, you should scrub all sides of the fish tank thoroughly to get rid of all brown algae and residue on the surface. Once everything has been cleaned, put back all the items and refill the tank.