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To maintain a healthy reef aquarium, algae control is essential. If you aren't careful, aquatic flora can clog your reef tank's water and endanger your fish and coral, but with careful management, you can keep algae growth to a minimum. Gerber's Tropical Fish in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio, recommends these techniques for algae control.

Limiting Algae Growth in Your Aquarium

1. Filter Your Water

AquariumsTap water often contains a variety of algae-promoting minerals, some of which are added during water treatment. A reverse osmosis deionized water filter will remove these extras and leave the algae nothing to feed on.

2. Don't Overfeed

Any uneaten food in your aquarium breaks down into food for the algae. Make sure you're adding just enough for healthy fish and coral growth. You can also try target feeding to put the food right where it's needed and keep it out of your tank's filter.

3. Use a Protein Skimmer

These handy filters remove organic debris from the tank, preventing it from breaking down and filling the water with nutrients. You can also try using granular ferric oxide to remove phosphate specifically.

4. Upgrade Your Lighting

If your tank lighting is showing its age, the dim conditions may be contributing to algae growth. Either switch out your fluorescent bulbs each year or change to LEDs for more consistent light quality.

5. Change the Water

While most of these tips focus on physically removing the nutrients which contribute to algae growth, but there's another way to reduce your tank's nutrient content: partial water changes. Regularly replenishing your tank with filtered water will remove organics, dilute what remains, and add minerals which are essential for your fish and coral.

If your reef aquarium is suffering from excessive algae, Gerber's Tropical Fish will help you find where you've gone wrong. Call them today at (937) 297-0515, or read more on their website.

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