Green Water, Cloudy Water - What Should I Do?
There are various reasons for algae growth within your aquarium. This is a guideline to help reduce algae from the source.
Here is a checklist of how to get rid of algae in your aquarium:
1. Test your aquarium water using API® TEST KITS.
Does the water test show you have high ammonia? High nitrite? High nitrate? High phosphate? A 25% water exchange will help fix that. It’s best to fix any water issues first and foremost. Another method to reduce high levels of ammonia, nitrite and nitrate is dosing with API AQUA ESSENTIAL™ all-in-one water conditioner. If the water is showing high in phosphates use – API PHOS-ZORB™ in your filter to remove excess phosphates.
Why does this matter? If bacteria within the aquarium is not doing their job (either there’s not enough bacteria or it’s not established yet), this will give algae the opportunity to use ammonia and nitrite as a food source. High phosphates will also feed algae growth.
2. Add beneficial bacteria like API STRESS ZYME™ bacterial cleaner or API QUICK START™ nitrifying bacteria to your aquarium.
By adding in beneficial bacteria this will create competition between the bacteria and algae for the same food source. The more added bacteria the better!
3. Re-evaluate how many fish are in your aquarium to the volume of water they are in.
Too many fish or too large of fish can produce more waste than the bacteria can handle, and algae will use the excess fish waste to grow. If you have had the fish for a while and they are now larger than when you first got them, it could be a reason for over capacity. It’s best to do the research to find the adult size of the fish so you can be prepared to how much water they need!
4. Are you overfeeding your fish?
Feeding your fish too much everyday can accumulate and algae can use this waste as a food source. If there is leftover food at the bottom of your aquarium, this is a sign you are feeding too much.
5. How long is the aquarium light on for?
Leaving the aquarium light on for too long can prompt algae growth. It is best to put the aquarium light on a timer for normal light cycle intervals.
6. Is your aquarium located near a window?
Your aquarium may be receiving too much direct sunlight causing excessive algae growth.
These are good check points to help get rid of algae at the root cause. If the algae persist in your aquarium, you can treat with API ALGAEFIX™ algae control and API ACCU-CLEAR™ water clarifier, following the instructions on the label carefully.
