5 Algae Control Tips and Tricks for Nano Tanks

A nano tank with clean and clear water, healthy lush plants, and colorful, lively fish swimming around looking happy and content in a miniature, balanced ecosystem is a joy to behold. All hobbyists aim for that.

That’s why that unsightly brownish and greenish slime on the glass can be among our worst nightmares.

Luckily, there are ways to control algae growth.

Small tanks have some unique challenges, and some might even say that they are more prone to algae growth than larger tanks.

This might be because many hobbyists misjudge the amount of light their tiny tank needs. 

It might also be because a larger tank would have more plant volume, while a smaller aquarium would not have that same plant-load.

Remember, plants use up nutrients that would otherwise turn into algae.

Similarly, smaller tanks have less water volume than larger ones.

This means you'd have to be more diligent with parameter monitoring and water changes than you would be with a bigger tank.

Nutrients and ammonia can build up fast in less space.

Here are five practical tips and tricks to control algae in your nano tank:

Understanding Algae in nano-tanks

Understanding the different types can help you tackle them effectively.

Common types of algae in nano tanks include:

• Hair Algae: Looks like green threads, often clinging to plants and decorations.
• Brown Algae: Forms a slimy, even layer, usually in new tanks or those with low light.
• Green Spot Algae: Appears as small, hard green spots on glass and decorations. Hard to scrape with a fingernail.
• Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria): (actually not an Algae) Has a fruity, sweet smell and spreads quickly, forming slimy sheets. Get rid of with a dose of erythromycin.

Algae thrive on excess nutrients, too much light, and poor water quality.

If you're more high-tech, an imbalance in your tank’s CO2 dosing could also cause algae bloom, so make sure to maintain balanced CO2 levels.

Additionally, overfeeding your fish can also cause algae growth.

Knowing which type of algae you're dealing with helps you choose the right method to control it.

For example, brown algae often indicate low light and can be managed by increasing light exposure.

On the other hand, reducing light and nutrients helps prevent green spot, string, and hair algae.

5 Algae Control Tips and Tricks

Keeping your nano tank algae-free involves a few smart practices. Here are five tips to help you out.

Tip 1: Maintain a Healthy Balance

Regular water changes and good filtration are crucial. They help remove excess nutrients that algae love. Understanding the nitrogen cycle is key; it converts harmful ammonia to less toxic nitrate, which plants use. Avoid overfeeding your fish to prevent excess waste that can fuel algae growth.

Tip 2: Embrace the Power of Plants

Healthy plants can outcompete algae for nutrients. Easy-to-care-for plants like Java Moss, Anubias, and Hornwort are great for nano tanks. Advanced hobbyists might consider CO2 injection to boost plant growth, which can further reduce algae.

Tip 3: Master the Lighting Game

Too much light can encourage algae. Keep your tank on a balanced lighting schedule, around 6–8 hours a day. If you're still having trouble, look into algae-fighting lights that reduce certain wavelengths on which algae thrive.

Tip 4: Introduce the Cleaning Crew

Algae eaters like Otocinclus catfish, Siamese Algae eaters (for bigger tanks) and dwarf shrimp are great additions to your tank. 

They help control algae but shouldn't be your only method.

Nerite Snails can also help by cleaning up detritus, which algae feed on.

Tip 5: Don't Be Afraid to Take Action

For stubborn algae, razor scraping and spot treatments with hydrogen peroxide can work wonders. However, it’s important to address the root cause of the problem first, such as excess nutrients or improper lighting, to prevent algae from returning.

Bonus Tips

For those looking to dive deeper into algae control, here are some advanced methods:

• Phosphate removers can be very effective in reducing algae by eliminating one of their main food sources. This is an advanced move, and can throw off your whole tank balance, creating a cycle crash. Try at your own risk.
• Have some money to throw at the problem? Another method is using UV sterilizers, which can help control algae spores in the water. They usually fit in or on your filters and zap the water as it comes through.
• Battling algae and need a boost? Try a blackout.

You'll remove as much of the algae as possible, do a water change, then turn out the lights, wrap up your entire tank in light- proof blankets and walk away for 3-5 days.

Your established plants and animals will be fine, but algae needs that daily hit of light to survive. It's not a 100% solution, but it will help a lot.

• Heard of the liquid CO2 products like Seachem Excel? Those aren't so much Co2 supplements as liquid algaecide.

This is another chemical treatment that could hurt your tank's cycle or make some of your animals sick. Certain plants are also sensitive to this, so don't add it into tanks with Anacharis for example.

Seeking advice from experienced aquarists or your local fish store can provide valuable insights tailored to your specific tank setup. They can also recommend products and techniques that have worked for others in the hobby.

Remember, every tank is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.

Good luck!