Remove excess amounts by hand, siphoning or filtration.
Adjust the lighting higher or lower, depending on the type of algae you are dealing with.
Remove excess nutrients (DOC's) through protein skimming.
Reduce nitrates and phosphates.
Reduce silicates by using the proper substrate (gravel/sand/live sand) material. Aragonite types are best.
Use RO or DI water for make-up or top-off water.
Use a good quality sea salt mix. (Be careful when choosing carbon too, as this can introduce unwanted elements as well).
Increase or decrease the water flow or circulation in the aquarium, depending on the type of algae you are dealing with. For example, Cyanobacteria species like red slime algae prefer low current areas, while most hair/filamentous species prefer high current areas.
Add natural algae eating critters. Various forms of green, brown and red algae can provide browsing food for many types fish and inverts, and many macroalgae species are actually cultivated in the aquarium for this purpose. There are a lot of marine inhabitants that depend on algae as a major part of their diets. Tangs and Surgeonfishes of the Zebrasoma & Ctenochaetus species, and most Angelfishes are prime examples. If your fish friends can't keep up with the algae growth, you can periodically harvest it to keep it in check without completely eradicating it from your system. Introducing additional herbivores like Snails and Hermit Crabs, as well as detritivores like Starfishes, Sea Cucumbers and Marine Worms are all greatly beneficial. Just be sure to get the correct types that will eat the kind of algae you are dealing with.
Adjust the lighting higher or lower, depending on the type of algae you are dealing with.
Remove excess nutrients (DOC's) through protein skimming.
Reduce nitrates and phosphates.
Reduce silicates by using the proper substrate (gravel/sand/live sand) material. Aragonite types are best.
Use RO or DI water for make-up or top-off water.
Use a good quality sea salt mix. (Be careful when choosing carbon too, as this can introduce unwanted elements as well).
Increase or decrease the water flow or circulation in the aquarium, depending on the type of algae you are dealing with. For example, Cyanobacteria species like red slime algae prefer low current areas, while most hair/filamentous species prefer high current areas.
Add natural algae eating critters. Various forms of green, brown and red algae can provide browsing food for many types fish and inverts, and many macroalgae species are actually cultivated in the aquarium for this purpose. There are a lot of marine inhabitants that depend on algae as a major part of their diets. Tangs and Surgeonfishes of the Zebrasoma & Ctenochaetus species, and most Angelfishes are prime examples. If your fish friends can't keep up with the algae growth, you can periodically harvest it to keep it in check without completely eradicating it from your system. Introducing additional herbivores like Snails and Hermit Crabs, as well as detritivores like Starfishes, Sea Cucumbers and Marine Worms are all greatly beneficial. Just be sure to get the correct types that will eat the kind of algae you are dealing with.
