Why does my fish tank water turn green?
Fish tank owners will find this issue familiar: green water. The first time that it happened was probably a perplexing moment for fish owners. Seeing this may cause panic amongst beginner fishkeepers. Even though it may seem small, green water indicates issues inside your tank. In this article, we shall examine the causes of the water of your fishtank turning green and how to rectify the problem of the green water.
What causes the green water of fish tank?
The primary culprit behind green fish tank water is algae. Algae are basic plants which are found in water only. These organisms can multiply rapidly, causing cloudy or greenish water when conditions are right. Here are some common causes of green water:
- Algae get their nutrients primarily from nitrates and phosphates. Fish poop, leftover food, and decomposing plants are often how these nutrients get into the aquarium. When your aquarium has excessive nutrients, it causes algae growth in your water.
- Overexposure to Light: Light is important for the health of your aquarium plants; however, too much light forms excessive algae growth. If the position of your tank is such that there is a lot of sunlight reaching your tank or you are keeping the lights on for too long each day, these are perfect conditions for algae to thrive.
A good filtration system is essential for the maintenance of water quality. If your filter is not working properly or is too weak for your tank size, it may not remove the gunk that helps algae grow. You must change the water of your aquarium regularly. If you do not regularly change the water in your fish tank, it can become enriched with nutrients and waste. This, in turn, will help algae to flourish.
Algal Species Identification
There are species of algae that will turn the water in your fish tank green. It’s beneficial to understand which kind of algae you are dealing with before taking action. When you see green water, it means the algae is growing in such water, and it is mainly microscopic and floating. New aquariums that are still cycling often experience this. Green algae appear as long strands that attach themselves to decorations in the tank, the plants and the sides of it. It could indicate overabundance of nutrients and bad water circulation. Green spot algae occur as small green dots forming on surfaces inside the aquarium. Green water algae can be an indication of high light levels, and can be tricky to get rid of.
How to get rid of green water
Now you know the reason for the green colour, let’s explore the ways to get some clarity back in the tank. Lighting conditions are essential; try dimming the lights your tank gets. If possible, move your aquarium to a shaded location or block some sunlight with coverings like curtains or blinds. Also, keep the usage of the artificial lights to around 8-10 hours a day. Make sure that the filter you choose is suitable to the size of your tank. You can improve the clarity of the water by increasing the efficiency of the filter or adding an extra filter. Change the filter media often enough for it to work efficiently.
Always remember to regularly change your tank’s water for better health and safety. Try to change 10-20% of the water each week to get rid of any excess nutrients and waste. You should be using a water conditioner that removes chlorine and chloramines from tap water. Limiting fish feed as overfeeding can lead to the food breaking down and causing algae to bloom. Only give your fish what they will eat in two to three minutes, and take out leftovers right away. If you want to prevent algae growth in your water feature, consider adding live plants. Pick plants that grow quickly, such as hornwort or water sprite. These will help to keep the nutrient levels in check.
Stopping Future Algae Blooms
After dealing with the immediate issue of green water, it is important to put measures in place to maintain clarity in your aquarium.
- To avoid algal growth, follow a consistent maintenance routine for your pond. It means that they require regular water changes and filter care. Also, like pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate etc.
- Watch How Much Light Your Tank Gets. Adjust your lighting schedule or light intensity if you see any sign of algae growth.
- Regular water testing allows you to make sure the levels of nutrients are okay. You can choose from many kits for home use that let you watch the parameters of your tank so you can make adjustments as you see fit.
- Try putting algae-eating fish and other organisms like the Siamese algae eater, otocinclus or even some types of snails. These organisms will help control algae naturally.
Conclusion
Green water can severely inhibit your fish tank environment but knowing what causes it and what to do can help you restore your tank’s clarity quickly. When you keep the ecosystem in balance, you can avert later algae blooms and provide a healthy environment for your fish. A bit of prevention is worth a ton of cure in aquariums!
