Is There A Way To Prevent Algae From Growing In My Tank?

[Ilya]

Is there a way to prevent algae from growing in my tank, like a uv screen or something?

 

[rdd1952]

Short answer is yes but it isn't easy. In a tank with the proper nutrients, feeding and filtration/stocking level, you won't have any algae. There are lots of things that lead to algae though and too much food is one of the prime causes. Also, having a tank where it receives direct sunlight is almost guaranteed to get you green water and blue-green algae.

 

[stella the fella]

you can also turn off your tank lights and that would work, switch them off for about 4 or 5 hours during the day

 

[Ian H]

depends on the algae really, a uv canister would combat free floating algae (green water) But like rdd said theres alot of different things that lead to algae. Fast growing plants will help since they absorb alot of nutrients. Although saying that i have quite a few plants and i've still got dots of algae on the front of my glass, but nothing major

 

[Ilya]

I've got floating algae. And it has exploded. 5 days ago was the last time I cleaned my tank. Now it's like a jungle!