Slime is known as a type of algae and may look disgusting. Surely you don’t want the slime to surround your precious fish, do you?
Slimes are not dangerous to aquatic species but spread and grow very quickly, making your aquarium unsightly.
The good news is that you can get rid of slime quickly by regular tank cleaning to ensure a crystal-clear environment for your fish.
Let’s read to find out how to clear slime in fish tanks!
Contents
How to Get Rid Of Slime in Fish Tanks?
Clean your Aquarium Thoroughly
As an aquarist, you should clean your aquarium regularly, even without any signs of slimes, so that it will stay in top condition. It is also the best way to remove biofilm in fish tanks.
Monitor your tank and handle it as soon as you notice any clear slime in the aquarium. The longer you leave algae there, the more they will spread and grow.
Don’t forget to check every nook and cranny as slime algae can accumulate on decorations, rocks, and tank walls.
You can use a household sponge or aquarium brush to clean your tank.
Change Water Frequently
If you notice white slime appearing in your aquarium, we recommend increasing the number of water changes. So, you will effectively prevent their growth.
After removing the clear slime algae, there may still be a lot of food and medications left over that could contribute to the algae’s return.
We recommend weekly water changes under normal conditions. But in this case, you should do it every other day for the first few weeks.
Remember to replace the aquarium water with fresh and chemical-free water.
Add New Mates to Your Aquarium
Hermit crab is one of the more common algae-eating species
Adding some algae eaters to the aquarium is a natural and effective way to eliminate white slime.
Besides eliminating current algae, they will prevent future algae invasion. Additionally, adding algae eaters will enrich your aquatic community.
Some recommended algae-eating species are hermit crabs and snails. They eat algae, so they can help you maintain a clean aquarium.
No matter what snail, shrimp, or fish you want to add to your tank, it is essential to do thorough research on these species.
You must ensure they get along with the species in your tank and make suitable living conditions for them.
Here are several algae eaters that are effective in removing white algae:
- Mollies
- Barbs
- American Flagship
- Siamese algae eater
- Danios
- Nerite snails
- Sun snails
- Chinese algae eater
Manage Your Tank’s Lighting
Daylight also affects the growth of white algae. So, if your tank is near a window, consider moving it elsewhere.
Alternatively, you can also hang curtains to control the sunlight it receives.
It is okay to add live plants to your aquarium that will provide extra shade. But make sure they match your aquarium population and environment.
Avoid Overfeed
Avoiding overfeeding will help reduce white algae and improve the health of the aquatic species in your tank.
Overfeeding can make your aquatic species sick. In addition, it can produce much uneaten food and waste, which is ideal for algae growth.
Each species has a different diet. It is best to feed your fish less food rather than more, as they can live well on a small diet.
Maintain the Tank Filter
The aquarium filter can be worn. One day, it will not work, resulting in white algae appearing and spreading everywhere.
The problem is not only with the filter but also with the heater. It can also get damaged and warm the water, promoting algae growth.
In this case, we recommend upgrading the water pump of your tank to get a high-quality filter.
Use Chemicals
You should consider using chemicals as a last resort when the above methods are ineffective in removing white algae.
Some products affect all types of fish, while others affect only certain types. So you should do your research to choose chemicals that are safer for your fish.
What Causes White Slime in Fish Tanks?
Poor Water Circulation
A lousy or broken filter can lead to inadequate water circulation in your tank. Therefore, the white algae will not be washed away, allowing them to accumulate in the aquarium.
Overfeeding
Many aquarists think that the more they feed their fish, the better. But it is a big mistake!
Overfeeding your fish can lead to more uneaten food and waste in your aquarium. These ingredients will soon decompose and create ideal conditions for algae growth.
Too Much Lighting
One of the main reasons that promote algae growth is the abundance of light.
Placing your aquarium in direct sunlight can promote white algae growth. The longer they receive direct light, the more they will grow.
Overcrowded Tank
White slime quickly builds up inside if your tank contains too many individuals.
The reason is that your filtration system will have a harder time cleaning up the waste. The smaller the tank, the more serious the problem will be.
How Much Time Will It Take To Get Rid of It?
So you have the answer to “How do you get rid of white slime algae?” Now, you may be wondering how long that will take.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to get rid of white algae in the aquarium as controlling them is not easy. So patience is the key.
It’s not easy to determine how long it will take to get rid of white algae. It mainly depends on how early you start working, how well you maintain the tank, and the actual state of the algae invasion.
Sometimes it can take you months. In some cases, it takes you only a few weeks.
The Bottom Line
We have provided you with all the information related to the topic, “Clear slime in fish tanks,” including causes and how to get rid of them.
Hopefully, our post is helpful to you. Thanks for stopping by!
Alex is a pet freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience. He attended Colorado State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, which was where he first got some experience in animal nutrition. After graduating from University, Alex began sharing his knowledge as a freelance writer specializing in pets.
