How to Tackle Every Type of Aquarium Algae: Proven Strategies and Solutions

Through my experience managing algae in various aquariums, I have noticed that there is a lack of comprehensive guides to all types of algae and their management. This guide will cover everything you need to know about types of algae and their control. In our aquariums, we encounter almost every type of algae and this guide will break down how to identify and control them. In this guide, I will explain what algae is, how to identify the different types, and effective ways to remove them. I hope this guide helps you deal with algae problems in your own tank!

Identifying Algae in Aquariums

Let’s take an example: a 125-gallon tank in our facility that contains multiple types of algae. This is a 125-gallon tank in our facility, and the two most noticeable algae types are:

Black Beard Algae – This dreaded, infamous algae is clearly visible on the plants and the crinum. You can also see it growing on the plant roots.

Green Spot Algae – This algae appears as small, hard green spots on the glass and decor.

Regardless of the algae type, a few key factors influence their growth.

How to Control Algae Growth

Light Duration & Intensity – Controlling how long and how bright your lights are will significantly impact algae growth.
Nutrient Levels – Keeping nitrate levels below 20 ppm (or 25-30 ppm for planted tanks) helps limit algae growth.
Live Plants – Adding plants helps compete for nutrients and keeps algae in check.
Algae-Eating Organisms – Siamese algae eaters, bristlenose plecos, nerite snails, and Amano shrimp are great natural algae controllers.

Black Beard Algae (BBA) Control

Siamese algae eaters are excellent at controlling BBA, particularly when they’re still young. We have a couple in this aquarium, and I plan to add more to keep BBA under control.

Other ways to manage BBA:

Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment: Remove plants or decor, spray them with hydrogen peroxide, leave them out for 5-10 minutes, and return them to the tank.
Algaecides (Liquid CO2): Liquid CO2-based algaecides can help control certain algae, though they don’t act as a true CO2 source for plants. I prefer natural methods over chemicals.

Green Spot Algae

This type of algae is tougher to remove. Most algae eaters don’t consume it effectively, though bristlenose plecos and nerite snails may help a little.

The best way to remove it? A razor blade or algae scraper!

Brown Diatom Algae

This is one of the easiest algae to control. It’s common in newly set up tanks and disappears as the aquarium matures.

Common algae eaters like mystery snails, nerite snails, bristlenose plecos, and otocinclus will clear this algae quickly.

Green Hair Algae

This is another common algae, but it’s relatively easy to remove.

Best algae eaters: Amano shrimp, Florida flagfish, and sailfin mollies.
Manual removal: Simply pull it out by hand or use a toothbrush for manual removal.

Unusual Algae Types

Red Algae

This slow-growing algae often appears on rocks near the substrate. It’s tough to remove and not many organisms eat it.

Best removal method: A razor blade works best for removing red algae from glass. Fortunately, this algae type doesn’t spread aggressively.

Soft Green Algae (Wavy Algae)

This algae waves gently in the water and doesn’t spread uncontrollably.

Best algae eaters: Florida flagfish, guppies, mollies, and Amano shrimp.
Manual removal: It peels off easily.

Conclusion

Algae are a natural part of the aquarium ecosystem and some levels of algae are beneficial. However, excessive algae growth can be managed by controlling light intensity, nutrient levels, and introducing algae-eating organisms.

Happy fishkeeping!

1 thought on “How to Tackle Every Type of Aquarium Algae”

vorbelutrioperbir
May 14, 2025 at 10:06 am

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