Algae is a common problem in freshwater aquariums but it is actually a fairly simple problem to solve. There are many different types of aquarium algae and not all algae eaters will eat every type. Algae is a living thing and, as such, it requires certain nutrients to grow. When you think of aquarium algae, you probably picture a fluffy green growth. While this is certainly one kind of algae, there are actually many different types that you could find in an aquarium. The most common types of aquarium algae are Brown Algae, Green Hair Algae, Brush Algae, Blue-Green Algae and Green Spot Algae.
How to clean up Algae in your tank?
Getting rid of algae in your freshwater tank can be tricky and you need to be careful what method you use. Commercial water treatments can sometimes do more harm than good by throwing your water chemistry out of whack.
If you know what type of algae you have growing in your tank, you can choose an algae eater that tends to target that specific type of algae. Algae eaters aren’t just fish, they can be anything from snails to aquarium shrimp, as long as they feed on live algae growths.
Samples of Algae eaters below:
- All Types – Twig Catfish, Siamese Algae Eater, Otocinclus Catfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Mollies, Nerite Snails, Ramshorn Snails, Mystery Apple Snail, Malaysian Trumpet Snail, Cherry Shrimp, Ghost Shrimp, Flying Fox, African Cichlids, Chaetostoma
- Brown Algae – Otocinclus Catfish, Amano Shrimp
- Green Hair Algae – Otocinclus Catfish, Nerite Snails, Amano Shrimp, Ghost Shrimp, Siamese Algae Eater, American Flagfish, Flying Fox
- Green Spot Algae – Bristlenose Pleco, Nerite Snails, Mystery Apple Snail
- Brush Algae – Mollies, Amano Shrimp, Siamese Algae Eater, Flying Fox,
- Blue-Green Algae – Mystery Apple Snail
Algae is a common problem in the home aquarium and, though it can be a nuisance, it is generally not something you want to get too worried about. If you are concerned about the algae growth in your tank, try reducing the amount of lighting or test your water to check for excess nutrients. You can also add some more flow in tank and use the information provided above to choose an algae eater that will clean up the algae for you.
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About the Author
Sol Bick
Aqua Creations Founder
Aqua Creations founder and self-proclaimed fish addict, Sol Bick is passionate about anything aquatic. With over 50 years of experience as an aquarium hobbyist and professional, Sol never stops plunging into the depths of aquatic science, researching, contributing to, and staying current with the latest technologies.