Thread Algae I think that's how it is pronounced

Does anybody know how to get rid of thread algae?

I tropical freshwater tank and it's swarmed with thread algae, I just don't know how to get rid of it.

pull it out?

nah. i can't get rid of it in mine either so i just yank it out when i see it

i have snails too, but meh.

Algae will take advantage of nutrient imbalances within the tank. Lots of live plants will out compete the algae for food. You'll always have some, but a heavily planted tank will take a lot longer to get algae than a tank with no plants.

I like algae. I leave it on the back of the tank & just clean the front so I can see in lol. It makes the tank look mature & lived in. I don't like shiny brand new looking set ups.

Snails love algae, but they don't clean it off properly & leave little whilry marks behind where they've been grazing.

If you're really desperate or have a specific need to address the algae, there are things you can do to slow its growth...

Invest in a phosphate test for your tank. Some types of algae love phosphates & will go mad no matter how many live plants you have.

Reduce the lighting period & have the lights on a timer set for one period of about 8 hours per day. Try not to position the tank where it will get direct sunlight. That's not always easy, but it will help.

Reduce the amount of food you are feeding your fish, excess & decaying food will cause spikes in NH3/NO2 & phosphates which the algae will love you for.

Keep on top of your water parameters & carry out weekly 25% changes.

Or you can just accept it as part of the tank & keep on top of cleaning it from the glass.

Thanks I'll try it.

There is also another way to reduce algae if you live in a hard water area but have acidic water tolerant fish and that is to lower the pH of the water. Well soaked bog wood - that has had the tannin leached out of it should help maintain a low pH.

You can also buy a an algae eating fish, as there are a number of small varieties, though don't buy Plecos or Gibbiceps or even Ancistrus if you tank is small in size

Thanks Surfie, I have 3ft tank and the PH is neutral.

There is one thing with Bogwood and that is it has to be well soaked before putting it into the tank otherwise it ends up looking like you have put a teabag in. It usually takes quite a few weeks of soaking to get most of it out.

There are some fish that will eat algae for a three foot tank a couple of Indian Algea Eaters may suffice, rather than the sucker catfish. It just depends on the size of the other fish in the tank. Garra's are another fish that can help keep it down as well.

Also a good light with a high UV output can also help keep down the algae.

Thanks I'll try and take on your advice maybe I'll get some Ottocinclus to help maintain it.