Reduce the light to 6–8 hours per day
Keep the tank out of direct sunlight
Scrape algae from the glass with an algae scraper or magnetic cleaner
Remove algae from decorations and plants during maintenance
Do partial water changes regularly
Vacuum the gravel or substrate during water changes
Avoid overfeeding the fish
Remove uneaten food promptly
Clean the filter regularly without overcleaning
Test and control nitrate and phosphate levels
Add live plants to compete with algae
Increase tank maintenance frequency
Stock algae-eating fish or snails only if suitable for your tank
Use dechlorinated, clean water for refills
Replace old or weak light bulbs if they promote algae growth
Avoid overcrowding the tank
Rinse new plants and decorations before adding them
Use an algae treatment only if necessary and safe for your fish
Keep a consistent maintenance schedule