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Algae is one of the most common problems in a planted tank, and almost every aquarist deals with it at some point. This sample guide is only here to preview how a finished guide will look on the site.
## Why algae appears
Algae grows when light, nutrients and CO₂ are out of balance. A tank with strong light but slow-growing plants will usually grow algae first, because the plants can’t use everything on offer.
The most common causes are:
– Too much light, or lights left on for too long
– Nutrients that are unbalanced or overdosed
– Poor circulation, which leaves dead spots around the tank
– New tanks that haven’t settled yet
## Getting it under control
### Start with the basics
Before adding anything to the tank, work through these steps:
1. Cut the lighting period back to around six hours a day
2. Do a large water change and clean the glass and filter
3. Trim any plant leaves that are covered in algae
4. Check that your CO₂ and fertiliser doses are steady from day to day
### Let the tank help itself
Healthy, fast-growing plants are the best defence, because they compete with algae for the same nutrients. Some tank mates can also help by eating algae as they feed.
> Algae is a sign that something is out of balance, not something to fight on its own. Fix the cause and the algae usually follows.
## Where to next
Browse our [aquatic plants](/product-category/plants/) or get in touch through our [contact page](/contactus/) if you have a question about your tank.