Algae is a symptom. Fix the balance of light, nutrients and plants and it goes away on its own.
Every tank grows some algae. A tank overrun by it is out of balance.
Light
Most tanks are lit too long. Cut the photoperiod to six hours and build up slowly.
Plants
Fast-growing stems compete with algae for nutrients. A sparsely planted tank is an invitation.
Maintenance
A weekly 30% water change and a clean filter remove what algae feed on.
Help
Cherry shrimp, nerite snails and otocinclus catfish graze constantly. They are helpers, not a fix.
