Some algae in an aquarium is normal. Aquariums just happen to have all of the right elements to promote healthy algae growth.
If you are finding it excessive, there are a few things you can do to help slow it down.
• Don't overfeed. This is the # one problem. Most beginners, and more experienced aquarists for that matter, feed more then necessary.
• Do regular water changes. This will help keep nitrates and phosphates at a minimum and inhibit algae growth.
• Less light. This can either be less wattage over the tank, or having the lights on for less time. If your aquarium is in a fairly well lit room and contains no live plants you don't even need the lights on, except when you are home to view the tank. This can have a huge impact on algae growth.
• Algae eaters are a common tool for cleaning algae up. Some plecos, shrimp, and snails can help eat up some of the algae
•Manual labour. No matter what you do, you will most likely need to scrape the walls of the tank every now and then.
