While most people try to reduce the amount of algae in their fish tank, there are some benefits of having algae. For example, algae help provide nutrients and food to certain species of fish. This means you could save some time and money on feeding your fish. Additionally, algae help reduce the levels of toxic chemicals in your fish tank, most notably nitrogen. Algae can also be beneficial to your fish tank as it produces oxygen.
How to get algae to grow in a fish tank
The best way to get algae to grow in a fish tank include:
The quickest way to get algae to grow in your fish tank is to use Seachem Flourish Excel, which can be purchased from amazon for $10. This additive contains bioavailable organic carbon which stimulates plant growth. All you need to do is apply the additive to the ground section of your fish tank, along with some of the bigger rocks if you have any. You should start to see algae growth within a couple days.
- Water Movement
You may be aware that an increase in water movement helps prevent the growth of algae. Therefore, by slowing the flow of water in your tank, you can promote the growth of algae in your fish tank. You can do this by slowing down the filter rate of your fish tank filter.
- Excess Fish Food
Another easy way to promote algae growth in your fish tank is to put extra flakes of food into your fish tank. We recommend sticking this extra food at the bottom of your fish tank so that you don’t risk over feeding your fish. This excess fish food will decompose and then increase your chances of growing algae in your fish tank.
- Light
Light is one of the most important components of algae growth. You should try leaving your fish tank light on longer than the usual 8 hours a day. Algae grows best with natural light, so if possible try to put your fish tank near a window.
- Heat
On a similar note, algae grows best in fish tanks that have warmer water. You shouldn’t make any drastic increase, but we recommend increasing your water temperature by a couple degrees to see if it stimulates the growth of algae.
- Outside source
Another great way to get algae to grown in your fish tank is by taking the algae from an outside source. You can do this in two ways, either taking algae from a nearby pond, or growing the algae yourself. If you take algae from a pond, you should err on the side of caution and only take small bits so that you don’t change the water chemistry in your fish tank. Growing algae by yourself is easier than you might expect. All you need to do is take a small cup of water from your fish tank and set it somewhere where there is a lot of natural light. You should then put crushed up plants from your fish tank into the cup. Algae should start growing within a couple days. After you have the desired amount of algae, simply transfer it into your fish tank.