Eradication of algae problem in aquarium could be accomplished simply by periodically scraping the sides of the aquarium or scrubbing the rocks. For those with plastic plants and a entirely white gravel bed, the scenario could be far more tasking as it would be important to bleach the rocks to remove all traces of algae.

Yet, if you do this, do make certain that you rinse the gravel thoroughly afterwards. Bleach is extremely toxic, and even smaller amounts can have a drastic effect on the aquarium fish.

Given that the primary trigger of green algae is too significantly light. The first step in the treatment schedule should be light reduction then partial water changes and an adequate stocking with natural aquarium plants. A final treatment with an algae remedy ought to guarantee that the problem is eradicated and is at least kept at bay for some time.


One of the factors mentioned above is the use of natural aquatic plants as a means of algae control. This is actually far more efficient than numerous people feel.

For a start off, luxuriant plant growth will filter out some of the light keeping algae in check. In addition plants absorb a substantial range of chemicals from the water, thereby starving algae of some of their crucial nutrients e.g. nitrates (not nitrites).

Surprising as although it could seem, an adequate plant stocking level is approximately 50 modest plants per square root of out there space. The treatment I mentioned is the use of an algaecide. I ought to stress the word "use:" it is very various to "abuse"!

However in spite of this distinction, I know that some men and women will still persist in pouring the chemical remedy into their aquarium and anticipate the problem to disappear overnight, even although they have accomplished definitely nothing to alter the conditions in the tank that brought about the predicament in the 1st location.

The conditions I stated above have to be adhering to for any lasting effect to happen! Now that we know how to curb the menace of the green algae, in another write-up I shall discuss it is ugly "sister" brown algae (the brown encrusting algae whose case is the reverse of green algae).

Algae Prevention Video for First Aquarists

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Besides adding a types of algae eater fish into the live plants aquarium as the "natural algae removal" such as Chinese Algae Eater fish (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) which is very effective to cleaning Diatom Brown algae and types of Green algae which new growth, you can also try Siamensis Algae Eaters to prevent the growth of Green Bunch Algae or Pelt Algae in your aquarium aquascaping.

Crossocheilus siamensis which also called "Siamensis Algae Eaters (SAE)" native to Kalimantan and Sumatra Islands. Although the color of its body was not spectacular, but these algae-eating fish almost found in many aquarium aquascaping because they was an avid algae eater fish.


The Siamese algae eater (Epalzeorhynchos siamensis or Crossocheilus siamensis) have a black horizontal stripe extending from opercle to tail. The genuine Epalzeorhynchos siamensis or Crossocheilus siamensis without maxillary barbels and with deeply fringed V-shaped upper lip is rarely encountered in the aquarium trade.

Siamensis Algae Eaters (SAE) closely related to the Red Algae eater Crossocheilus langei, a species that is widely sold as the Siamese algae eater. It has a bright brownish elongate body with a slightly flat belly. It has a prominent brown-black horizontal stripe extending from nose to tail.


The Siamensis Algae Eaters (SAE) fish may grow up to the length of 16 centimeters. It possesses small maxillary barbels and an unfringed shallowly arcuate upper lip.

Two other similar species are traded as "Siamensis algae eaters", namely Crossocheilus atrilimes, a species that likes to eat Java moss rather than Red algae, and the second one is an undescribed species of Crossocheilus.

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Takashi Amano is a photographer, designer and aquarist from Japan. He was very influential in the world of aquascaping community. His work that uses rocks and woody has a very high artistry. Takashi Amano also popularized the aquarium plants such as Glossostigma elatinodes and Riccia fluitans to decorate the aquarium.

In addition to the types of aquarium plants, Takashi Amano also popularize Caridina japonica, which is a very effective type of shrimp to eat and controlling the algae which growing on the aquarium plants. The types of algae shrimp is then called as the "Amano Shrimp".

When he proves that this shrimp was effective to eradicate and controlling algae growth in large quantities, then Takashi Amano bought thousands of Caridina japonica shrimp from aquarium supplies in Japan. After that, Caridina japonica or "Amano Shrimp" was as a necessity to all of his freshwater aquarium.

Another advantage of the "Amano shrimp" species is, although put this shrimp into aquarium in large number, they will not look too much or looks meet the aquarium so it does not interfere with views of the water plants decoration.

Due to its large appetite for all kinds of freshwater algae, Japonica Amano Shrimp or Amano Shrimp has gained popularity among world aquarist, so now many are found in almost the entire aquascape aquarium as the natural algae removal. They will consume leftover fish food and detritus on the aquarium floor, making the Amano Shrimp an efficient cleaner that is also very interesting to watch. The Amano Shrimp is mostly opaque brown in color with a tan stripe that runs the length of the back. On their sides, there are many broken horizontal lines.

The Amano Shrimp is also known as the Yamato Numa-Ebi, or Japanese Swamp Shrimp and it originates from the swamps of Japan. The ideal setup for the Amano Shrimp is an established freshwater aquarium or pond of at least 10 gallons with plenty of hiding places and algae with a mature substrate. The Amano Shrimp should be housed with small peaceful fish or koi that will not pose the threat of eating it. The Amano Shrimp can tolerate low to moderate salinity levels, making them an ideal algae controller for ponds and water gardens in non-freezing climates.

Unfortunately, the Amano Shrimp is very difficult to breed, and very few hobbyists have been able to raise the larvae to maturity. The average life span of the Japonica Amano Shrimp is 2 to 3 years in captivity.

Japonica Amano Shrimp is an omnivore that will consume algae, detritus and left over food. Even if they can find food almost everywhere in the tank, once a week or so, feed Caridina Japonica with specific food or with fish pellets, some of them seem to appreciate a lot spirulina pellets.

Althought "Caridina Japonica" are known to eat algae, anyway remember the Amano shrimps are not a final solution against algae proliferation because they are too small and do not eat that much, moreover they like just some kind of algae and ignore others. The only one solution to algae problems is to control the aquarium balance, including lighting period and quality, filtration work, fish and plants number in aquascape aquarium.

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