5 Proven Ways To END Aquarium Algae

Summary

The video argues that recurring aquarium algae is best controlled by correcting the conditions that promote it, rather than repeatedly scrubbing it away. It presents five approaches:

1. Remove waste and maintain the filter

Algae can grow in both low- and high-flow areas if ammonia is available. In stagnant spots, fish waste, uneaten food, and decaying leaves can collect and decompose. In high-flow areas, a clogged or neglected filter may process waste less effectively.

The narrator recommends removing debris from places where it collects and cleaning a canister filter about every three months. Rinse the filter media in aquarium water to help protect beneficial bacteria.

2. Use Amano shrimp as temporary algae control

In the narrator’s aquarium test, a large group of Amano shrimp nearly cleared algae from Anubias within two days. The narrator suggests temporarily moving a group of shrimp into an algae-affected tank, then returning them once the algae is reduced.

This may help control algae, but it does not identify or fix the underlying cause.

3. Provide suitable water hardness for plants

The video says many aquatic plants do better in softer water, and healthy plants can compete with algae for nutrients. It gives target values of GH 5–6 and KH around 2, with KH 3–4 presented as a possible higher range. It also cautions against KH that is too low, because it can allow pH to fluctuate.

The narrator uses reverse-osmosis (RO) water because their tap water is very hard and varies in mineral content.

4. Add plant mass when starting with few aquatic plants

Fish waste, food, or fertilizer can supply more nutrients than a small number of plants can use. As a temporary measure, the narrator recommends growing pothos with its leaves above the water and roots submerged. The roots can take up nitrates and phosphates.

Remove the pothos as aquatic plants grow, since it may then compete with them for nutrients.

5. Avoid unnecessarily warm water

The video explains that warmer water holds less oxygen and can increase fish activity, feeding, and waste production. It can also increase the rate at which bacteria, algae, and waste grow or decompose.

The narrator suggests about 76°F (24°C) as a general target, while noting that the appropriate temperature depends on the fish species.

Main ecological idea

Algae can take advantage of excess nutrients—especially ammonia—when waste accumulates or plants are unhealthy or too sparse. Maintaining a clean aquarium, healthy plants, and suitable water conditions can reduce the opportunities for algae to grow.

Researchers and sources featured

• No researchers or external sources are named in the subtitles.
• The advice and aquarium test are presented by the video’s narrator from UnderwaterGardens.