White algae do not pose a threat to your aquatic inhabitants. However, they grow and spread quickly, which can be annoying in your aquarium.
Those algae look like webs with slick films, which rarely grow on glass. However, they can quickly grow on rocks and decorations.
Fortunately, getting rid of white algae on aquarium glass is not difficult, as long as you know the causes. Plus, you can reduce them from growing in the future.
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Contents
What Are the Causes of White Algae?
White algae can invade fish tanks for several different reasons.
The most common cause is poor water circulation, often in a new tank setup since the water typically takes time to regulate.
Inadequate filtration can also lead to an algae infestation. So we recommend ensuring your tank has all the needed tools to function correctly and smoothly.
The cause can also be lighting conditions; we will cover it in more detail later.
It is not good if your aquarium gets too much light daily, as it might promote algae growth. Nine hours of light is usually enough for a fish tank.
The final reason for the growth of white algae is your aquarium is overcrowded. So you should avoid keeping too many decorative items in a tank.
How to Remove White Algae on Aquarium Glass?
If you cannot prevent white algae, you must remove them as soon as possible. Here are some tips that will allow you to get the job done!
Keep your Tank Clean
Keeping your tank clean will minimize algae infestation, including white algae.
You should remove all organic food waste after feeding your aquarium inhabitants and not overfeed them.
It is essential to remove leftovers and additional residues. Also, do not leave dead fish, plants, and dead things in the aquarium.
Upgrade the Aquarium Filter
Upgrading the aquarium filter is also a solution that can make a difference.
This refers to updating your aquarium’s water pump and investing in high-quality filters. It can help make a frequent water cycle and increase the flow’s speed, if necessary.
The same also goes if you use mechanical filtration systems. If your existing filter cannot remove waste products fast enough, white algae will soon set foot in your aquarium.
Upgrading the aquarium filter can be a significant investment, but it is worth it.
Thanks to that, trying to get rid of white algae as often is not necessary, and you will save time and effort while the aquatic inhabitants will thank you!
Avoid Overfeeding Your Aquarium Pets
Most aquarists want to ensure that they feed their aquatic species enough, so they often overfeed their pets. But we recommend avoiding it at all costs, especially for small aquariums.
Apart from making your snails, shrimps, fish, crabs, and others sick, it will dirty your tank. Overfeeding can lead to a lot of waste and uneaten food, which is the ideal source of nutrition for white algae.
So let’s start with stopping overfeeding your pets. Then, maintain a clean aquarium and make regular changes.
Also, it is worth investing in a decent filter and a water pump, which is helpful for the too-low level of CO2.
Feeding techniques for aquatic species differ depending on the species you are keeping. So you should do online research or consult an expert.
It is okay to add snails or algae-eating fish into your tank, which will naturally clean up white algae.
In the tougher case, you should use the aquarium-safe chemical in your tank. Don’t forget to research before using them, as a few products might kill your fish and harm the tank.
Get the Proper Lighting
As we mentioned above, improper water settings and too much lighting might lead to the growth of white algae and any type of algae.
Reducing the lighting for the tank will solve the problem. In addition, putting some live plants into your tank is alright to absorb more of the light and outcompete with algae.
Ensure your chosen plants can adapt to the aquarium environment and its population. In addition, we recommend quarantining them before adding them since they may be a source of disease, such as ick.
So by getting the proper lighting for your fish tank, you can keep the white algae growth under control.
On the other hand, you also need to do regular water changes, which should be done weekly.
FAQs
How Long Will It Take To Remove White Algae?
It is not feasible to estimate the exact time as it depends on the individual tank, how you maintain it, and the severity of the case. It usually takes from a few weeks to a few months.
What Is the White Fuzzy Stuff in My Fish Tank?
It could be a fungus or a bacterial fungus. It is usually a sign that there is an infection in the aquarium. Common reasons are:
- Poor/Irregular Water Temperature:
- Dirty Tank & Unmanaged Tank
- Organic Food Waste and Overfeeding
What Is White Mold?
White mold is a kind of fungus. It is very dangerous for fish and can lead to swim bladders, eye infections, digestion problems, and many other health problems.
What Fish Can Consume White Algae?
Cherry Shrimp is one of the algae eaters
Algae eaters are species that will naturally remove white algae. They can be:
- Bristlenose Pleco
- Cherry Shrimp
- Trumpet Snail
- Whiptail Catfish
- Mystery Snail
- Amano Shrimp
- Nerite Snail
- Siamese Algae Eater
- Rubber Lip Pleco
- Ramshorn Snail
- And more
Do White Algae Mean Tanks Are Cycled?
White algae and other algae might mean that tanks are cycled as they grow on high nutrient levels.
The Bottom Line
In addition to the above, other reasons can still lead to the growth of white algae in your aquarium, which rarely happens. So don’t hesitate to contact a specialist if you find that the above causes do not in your case.
Hopefully, you will find this article useful. Thank you for reading!
