How to Remove Algae From Freshwater Tanks
- 1). Unplug your lights and filter on your tank. Scrub algae from the walls of your freshwater tank with a scrubbing pad.
- 2
Select a bucket to catch the water that you siphon from your fish tank.rain buckets image by nastos from Fotolia.com
Place your five-gallon bucket on the floor near your fish tank. - 3
Aquatic vacuums remove wastes that attribute to algae growth.fish in tropical aquarium; Sochi; Russia image by FlyFishka from Fotolia.com
Lower the wide end of your gravel vacuum onto your fish tank floor. Slowly submerse the siphon hose, filling the tube with water until all air is expressed. Keep the flat end at the bottom of the tank and close the open end of the tube with your thumb. Lift the hose out of the tank and lower it toward your bucket. Release your thumb and lay the hose in the bucket while you remove algae, waste and dirty water with your tool. - 4
Remove algae and soiled water and replace with fresh water.clean water image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com
Remove 10 to 15 percent of the water in your fish tank each week and replace it with distilled water. Distilled water is free of phosphates and nitrates, which algae need to grow. - 5
Water pumps aerate and move water.aquarian fish image by Vonora from Fotolia.com
Install a submersible pump to fit the size of your fish tank. Air bubbles oxygenate your water and produce a current. Moving water prevents surface algae growth and keeps your tank clear. - 6
Fish tank filters clear algae residue and cloudy water.fishgold image by Marius Lazin from Fotolia.com
Check the filter pads each week and replace them as necessary. Plug your lights and filter back in. Your filter will clear up any cloudy residue remaining, leaving a clear, algae-free freshwater fish tank.
