Some algae can be pleasing to the eye. Other can be bothersome. I have plecos take care of my algae problems. I'm not one to use chemical solutions when can that can be avoided.

Good luck!

-PF

If you do not have live plants you could use an algaecide (hope I spelled that correctly!). I personally prefer to use different types of algae eating fish to take care of algae. Not all fish eat all algae. In my 77 gallon tank I have a pleco and a chinese algae eater. The tank is pretty much algae free. I have never seen a tank that was completely free of algae. In my 20 gallon tank I use 3 otocinclus catfish and they clean the tank very well. Guppies and other types of livebearers also eat algae. Hope this helps.

Dasheen

Can you describe your algea? different types call for different fixes, Some people acctually pay good money for algea in the form of moss balls (Moreymoto Algea Balls)

Algae forming in a tank which hasn't really had it before is indicative of something out of balance in your water chemistry. If you've been good about doing your partial weekly water changes, there may be phosphorus in the water that isn't usually there, although that usually happens in the summer. If you haven't been doing partial weekly water changes, then the algae may be caused by a buildup of nitrate, or there could be nitrate in the tap water. In tanks that are heavily planted, sometimes algae is caused by a ~lack~ of nitrate. The tank may be getting hit with direct sunlight that maybe didn't reach it before, due to tree removal, a change in drapes, etc.

Essentially, you need to figure out what type of algae it is and what is causing the overgrowth, and then choose your remedy from there. Dumping algaecide chemicals into your tank is not a good idea in my opinion.

Another thought if you don't want to use chemicals to kill algae, try UV light in your tank. They kill algae on the spot and don't hurt the fish. It is used all the time for ponds and this method can be used in tanks but a smaller version of it.
Theresa

Thank you guys a bunch!!!