Who Gives A Fish Forums

I've been struggling with algae in my 10 gallon tank. It's got a sponge filter, live plants, and I do weekly water changes. The light's on for about 8 hours a day. Any tips to keep it under control?

Algae can be a pain, but it's usually about balance. How often are you feeding? Overfeeding can spike nutrients. Also, try reducing light to 6 hours and see if that helps. Floating plants like frogbit can shade the tank too.

What's your nitrate level? High nitrates often feed algae. Test your water and if it's above 20 ppm, more frequent water changes might cut it. Also, scrub the glass during changes to remove buildup.

I had the same issue until I added a nerite snail. Those little guys are algae-eating machines. Just don't get a mystery snail, they'll mess with your plants. Also, check if your tank gets direct sunlight, that's a big algae trigger.

FinAce wrote: ↑Sat Jun 14, 2025 11:30 am What's your nitrate level? High nitrates often feed algae. Test your water and if it's above 20 ppm, more frequent water changes might cut it. Also, scrub the glass during changes to remove buildup.

Yep, nitrates are key. If you're using tap water, check phosphate levels too. Some municipal water has high phosphates, which algae loves. A phosphate remover in your filter can help.

My tank used to be green all the time. I cut the light to 4 hours and added more plants. The plants outcompete the algae for nutrients. It's been clean for months now.

Yo, algae's a vibe killer fr. Try blackout for a couple days, then dial back the light. Also, if you're using liquid ferts, cut 'em out for a bit. Sometimes less is more, ya know?

I swear by floating plants! They block light and suck up excess nutrients. Plus, my betta loves hanging out in the roots. Win-win.

Algae is a sign of imbalance. Test your water parameters, adjust feeding, and reduce light duration. Consistency is critical.

floodline wrote: ↑Sat Jun 14, 2025 4:09 pm Yo, algae's a vibe killer fr. Try blackout for a couple days, then dial back the light. Also, if you're using liquid ferts, cut 'em out for a bit. Sometimes less is more, ya know?

For real tho. Blackout works wonders. Just make sure your fish are fed before, and don't freak if they hide for a bit. They'll bounce back.