Green plaque on the walls of the aquarium

You’re not the only one who has observed a greenish film developing on your aquarium’s walls. Even if you’re meticulous about maintenance, this common problem can give the impression that your tank is dirty and neglected. However, what’s causing this green plaque and, more crucially, how can it be avoided?

Maintaining a clean and healthy aquarium starts with knowing why this green algae appears. It frequently arises from a confluence of causes, including too much light, unbalanced nutrition, and even your aquarium’s inherent biology.

This post will examine the causes of green plaque on aquarium walls and provide helpful advice on how to stop it. By taking the appropriate measures, you can maintain the perfect appearance of your aquarium and give your fish and plants a better home.

Possible Causes Solutions
Excess light Reduce lighting duration or intensity
Overfeeding fish Feed less and remove uneaten food
Poor water quality Perform regular water changes
Lack of algae eaters Add algae-eating fish or snails
High nutrient levels Use a phosphate remover or adjust feeding

How to get rid of green plaque

You must first determine the causes of the algae’s appearance in order to eradicate it and stop it from coming again. What environmental factors are now conducive to the active reproduction of primitive algae? You cannot anticipate that the decorations and the greenery on the aquarium’s walls will reappear after the cause has been eliminated.

Plaque can be removed from walls using a standard scraper and a specialized tool. You can purchase aquarium chemistry from a specialty store. You have the choice to use JBL Nitratex, Algetten or Algisite Tetra, and other options.

  • The raid from the glass is removed with a scraper, thoroughly passing through the infected places.
  • Part of the water with a plaque floating in it is drained, fresh water is added to the aquarium, pre -prepared.
  • From the scenery and stones, plaque is removed under running water, using a sponge, a scraper and a hard brush, the remaining plaque must be thoroughly washed off.
  • If the soil turns green, it is removed from the aquarium and washed. You can pour it with boiling water. The inhabitants of the aquarium before such manipulations are naturally exalted until their house will be clean again.
  • If the plaque appears on the leaves of living plants, it is more difficult to remove it mechanically, without injuring algae. If the plaque is strong, affected leaves and stems are best simply removed.

Waiting for the remaining unicellular algae to die is what needs to be done after all cleaning procedures are finished.

It takes roughly two to three weeks to restore the aquarium’s walls and contents from green plaque to their original condition. To prevent the issue from happening again, it is crucial to get rid of the things that encourage the growth of algae in the future.

Prevention of the appearance of green plaque on the walls of the aquarium

Eliminating the contributing factors to green plaque as much as possible is necessary to keep it from affecting the aquarium’s contents in the future. Among the preventive actions are:

  • regular cleaning of the soil and filter;
  • regular water changes, which serve to normalize the balance of nutrients;
  • reducing the intensity of tank lighting, which should not exceed 1 watt per liter of water;
  • balancing the amount of phosphates and nitrates in the water using specialized products;
  • increase in the number of living plants, which serve as a natural barrier to the deterioration of microflora and the spread of unicellular algae;
  • reducing the amount of food given to the fish, for several days they can be put on a starvation diet;
  • periodic cleaning of decorations and large stones;
  • avoid overpopulation of the aquarium so that the water is not overflowing with waste products.

Setting up adequate lighting for a home pond is very crucial.

The likelihood that the aquarium’s walls will soon be covered in green dots increases with increasing light intensity. The vegetation that grows on the surfaces of a home pond is drawn to light, particularly window light. The water must be kept out of direct sunlight.

If plaque appears again and again?

If green plaque appears on the aquarium walls repeatedly, it means that either the conditions that cause the phenomenon to occur are still in place or that the conditions of maintenance have changed and the algae is now growing again.

Plaque must be removed based on the cause of its emergence. It is vital to keep an eye on the temperature and chemical makeup of the water, the quantity of food offered to the fish and how much of it they really eat, and the lighting conditions.

It’s likely that the aquarium’s new arrangement, upgraded equipment, or changed lighting type triggered the reaction.

Maintaining prompt and excellent aquarium hygiene is crucial, as is keeping an eye on the water’s chemical indicators.

Using aquarium products at home that are specifically made to destroy even the smallest algae that settles on the surfaces of the tank is a perfectly acceptable way to solve the issue.

Uncontrolled chemical use can be dangerous, so it’s important to strictly adhere to the instructions when using any medication. Failure to do so could put the residents of the aquarium and green areas at risk.

Most aquarium owners will eventually have to deal with green plaque on their aquarium walls. This is a common problem. It’s crucial to keep in mind that a small amount of algae is typical and even advantageous for your tank’s ecology. If it begins to take over, though, that indicates that there is a problem with the aquarium’s equilibrium.

You can control and prevent overgrowth of algae by adding fish or snails that eat algae, managing nutrient levels, and keeping adequate lighting. Maintaining your aquarium regularly is essential to keeping it healthy and free of unsightly green plaque. Examples of routine maintenance include cleaning the tank and changing the water.

In the end, if you recognize the underlying causes of green plaque and take quick action to address them, your aquarium will become healthier and more visually pleasing, allowing your fish and plants to flourish.

An common problem that can make your aquarium appear unattractive and possibly point to an imbalance in the water’s conditions is green plaque on the walls. Poor water quality, overfeeding, and excessive light are the main causes of this algae buildup. Green plaque can be prevented and controlled with the help of basic maintenance, feeding schedule adjustments, and an understanding of the causes of this growth. This will help to maintain a healthier environment for your fish and plants.

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Elena Grishina

Ecologist and aquarist with a special interest in creating balanced ecosystems in aquariums. Main focus — ecosystems that require minimal human intervention. I support a natural approach to aquarium care, where each element plays its role, helping to maintain harmony in a closed ecosystem. I promote sustainable aquarium keeping and respect for nature.

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