How To Keep Anubias Plants Clean – An Aquarist’S Guide To Algae-Free

Written ByHoward Parker

Let’s be honest. You picked that gorgeous Anubias for its deep green, waxy leaves and its nearly indestructible reputation. It’s the undisputed king of easy-care aquarium plants, a perfect centerpiece for any aquascape. But then, slowly, a creeping film of green or some stubborn black fuzz starts to take over those beautiful leaves, turning your vibrant jewel into a dingy mess. It’s a frustratingly common problem for aquarists, and you’re definitely not alone.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to live with algae-coated Anubias. I promise that by the end of this guide, you’ll have a complete toolkit of expert strategies to not only clean your current plants but also prevent that pesky algae from ever coming back. You’ll understand the real secrets behind how to keep anubias plants clean for good.

We’re going to cover everything you need. We’ll start by understanding why Anubias is an algae magnet, then dive into powerful prevention techniques, step-by-step manual cleaning methods, and even introduce you to a team of tiny janitors who will do the work for you. Let’s get those leaves sparkling again!

Why Do My Anubias Plants Get So Dirty? Understanding the Root Cause

Have you ever wondered why your fast-growing stem plants stay relatively clean while your Anubias seems to attract every type of algae in the tank? The answer lies in its biggest strength: its slow growth rate.

Anubias plants grow at a glacial pace. While this makes them incredibly low-maintenance, it also gives algae—which grows much faster—a golden opportunity to settle in and establish a colony on the broad, static surfaces of their leaves. Think of it like a parked car getting dusty while a car that’s always on the move stays cleaner.

Algae thrives when three things are out of balance in your aquarium:

  • Excess Light: Too much light intensity or leaving the lights on for too long is the number one cause of algae. It’s like leaving an all-you-can-eat buffet open 24/7 for algae.
  • Nutrient Imbalance: Overfeeding your fish or having decaying organic matter in the tank creates an excess of nitrates and phosphates, which are rocket fuel for algae.
  • Poor Water Flow: Stagnant water allows algae spores to easily land and attach to your Anubias leaves without being swept away.

Understanding these triggers is the first step in our how to keep anubias plants clean guide. It’s not about fighting a constant war; it’s about creating an environment where algae can’t get a foothold in the first place.

The Foundation of Success: How to Keep Anubias Plants Clean Through Prevention

The absolute best way to have clean Anubias is to stop algae from growing on them to begin with. It’s far easier to prevent algae than to remove it. These preventative measures are the most important how to keep anubias plants clean best practices you can adopt.

Master Your Lighting

Anubias are low-light plants. They evolved under the dense canopy of rainforests, receiving only dappled light. Blasting them with high-intensity light for 12 hours a day is a recipe for an algae farm.

  1. Reduce the Photoperiod: Limit your aquarium lighting to 6-8 hours per day. This is more than enough for Anubias to photosynthesize and thrive.
  2. Use a Timer: Consistency is key. An inexpensive outlet timer will ensure your lights go on and off at the same time every day, creating a stable environment.
  3. Consider a Dimmer: If your light is very powerful, a dimmer can help you dial back the intensity to a level that benefits your plants without fueling algae.

Balance Your Nutrients

Think of your aquarium as a garden. If you over-fertilize, you get weeds (algae). The goal is to provide just enough nutrients for your plants to outcompete the algae.

  • Don’t Overfeed Your Fish: Feed only what your fish can consume in a minute or two. Excess food breaks down into algae-fueling nitrates and phosphates.
  • Perform Regular Water Changes: A weekly 25-30% water change is crucial. This removes excess dissolved nutrients from the water column, effectively starving the algae.
  • Go Easy on Fertilizers: While Anubias benefits from liquid fertilizers, be careful not to overdose. Follow the instructions and consider starting with a half dose to see how your tank responds.

Improve Water Flow

Gentle, consistent water movement is a powerful algae deterrent. It makes it harder for algae spores to land and settle on leaf surfaces. Try positioning your Anubias somewhere it will receive a gentle current from your filter outlet or a powerhead. You don’t want to blast it, just ensure the water around it isn’t stagnant.

Your Hands-On Cleaning Toolkit: Manual Methods for Spotless Leaves

Even with the best prevention, you might still need to do some manual cleaning from time to time. Don’t worry—these methods are simple and effective. Here are some fantastic how to keep anubias plants clean tips for direct action.

The Gentle Thumb Rub

For soft, slimy green or brown diatom algae, your own fingers are the best tool. During your next water change, simply and gently rub the surface of the leaves with your thumb or forefinger. The algae should wipe away easily. Be gentle but firm, and you’ll see that vibrant green pop right back.

The Soft Toothbrush Method

For more stubborn algae like Green Spot Algae (GSA), you need a bit more scrubbing power. Grab a new, dedicated, soft-bristled toothbrush (never one that’s seen toothpaste!).

You can gently scrub the leaves while the plant is still in the tank. The tough, leathery leaves of Anubias can handle this, but always use a light touch. This is a fantastic way to restore leaves that you thought were lost to those stubborn green dots.

The Hydrogen Peroxide Spot Treatment (For Stubborn Algae)

Black Beard Algae (BBA) is the bane of many aquarists. It’s tough, wiry, and hard to remove manually. This is where we bring out the big guns: a targeted hydrogen peroxide treatment.

IMPORTANT: This should be done outside of the aquarium to protect your fish and invertebrates.

  1. Remove the Anubias plant (or the driftwood/rock it’s attached to) from the tank.
  2. Fill a small spray bottle or use a pipette with standard 3% hydrogen peroxide (the kind from the pharmacy).
  3. Apply the peroxide directly to the algae-affected areas. You’ll see it start to bubble and fizz—that’s it working!
  4. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Do not let the plant dry out.
  5. Rinse the plant thoroughly under running tap water to remove all residual peroxide.
  6. Place the plant back in your aquarium.

Over the next few days, the treated BBA will turn pink or white and die off. Your cleanup crew will then happily munch on the remains.

Nature’s Janitors: Assembling the Perfect Anubias Cleanup Crew

One of the most rewarding and sustainable how to keep anubias plants clean strategies is to hire a team that works for you 24/7. A good “cleanup crew” of algae-eating critters is an essential part of a balanced tank.

The Snail Squad

Don’t believe the snail-hating hype! The right snails are invaluable. Nerite Snails are champions at eating tough Green Spot Algae and other surface films, and they can’t reproduce in freshwater, so you won’t have a population explosion. Ramshorn and Bladder snails also do a great job on softer algae.

The Shrimp Brigade

Amano Shrimp are legendary algae eaters, known for their relentless appetite for nearly all types of algae, including the dreaded BBA when it’s young. A small group of these tireless workers will constantly graze on your plant leaves, keeping them pristine. Cherry Shrimp and other Neocaridina varieties are also great helpers for softer algae.

Algae-Eating Fish

Certain fish are perfectly designed for this job. Otocinclus Catfish (Otos) are small, peaceful, and love to graze on the flat surfaces of Anubias leaves. They are schooling fish, so be sure to keep them in a group of at least 5-6 for them to feel safe and happy. Don’t worry—these fish are perfect for beginners in a mature tank!

Common Problems with How to Keep Anubias Plants Clean (and How to Fix Them)

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, specific issues pop up. Here’s how to troubleshoot some of the most common problems you’ll face.

Problem: Stubborn Green Spots Cover the Leaves (GSA)

This is Green Spot Algae. It often indicates too much light and a potential lack of phosphates in the water column (plants use phosphates, and if they run out, GSA can take advantage).

The Fix: Reduce your lighting period to 6 hours. Manually scrub the spots off with a soft toothbrush. Introduce Nerite snails—they are the number one predator of GSA. Ensure you’re providing a balanced, comprehensive fertilizer.

Problem: Ugly Black or Grey Fuzz on Leaf Edges (BBA)

This is Black Beard Algae. It thrives in environments with fluctuating or low CO2 levels and can be fueled by excess organic waste.

The Fix: The hydrogen peroxide spot treatment described above is the most effective direct treatment. To prevent its return, improve water circulation, ensure your CO2 levels (if you use injection) are stable, and be diligent with tank maintenance and gravel vacuuming to reduce organic buildup.

Benefits of Keeping Anubias Plants Clean: More Than Just Good Looks

Pursuing this eco-friendly how to keep anubias plants clean approach does more than just make your tank look pretty. The benefits are deeper than you might think.

  • Improved Plant Health: A clean leaf can photosynthesize more efficiently. By removing the algae layer that blocks light, you’re allowing your Anubias to get the energy it needs to grow healthy and strong.
  • A Healthier Ecosystem: Algae on your plants is often a symptom of a larger imbalance in the tank. By addressing the root causes (light, nutrients, flow), you are creating a more stable and healthy environment for all of your aquarium’s inhabitants.
  • Stunning Aesthetics: Let’s face it, this is a huge reason we do this! A clean, vibrant Anubias is a stunning focal point. It brings a sense of peace and natural beauty to your space that an algae-covered plant simply can’t.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Anubias Clean

Is it safe to use chemical algaecides on Anubias?

I strongly advise against it. Chemical algaecides are a bandage, not a cure. They don’t fix the underlying imbalance causing the algae, and they can be very harmful to sensitive inhabitants like shrimp, snails, and even certain fish and plants. It’s always better to find and fix the root cause.

Will cleaning my Anubias damage its leaves?

It can if you are too aggressive. Anubias leaves are famously tough, but they aren’t invincible. Always use a gentle touch when rubbing or scrubbing. Never use a hard-bristled brush or a scouring pad. As long as you are gentle, manual cleaning is perfectly safe.

How often should I clean my Anubias plants?

Ideally, never! The goal of the prevention strategies is to create a tank where you don’t have to manually clean them. However, in the real world, you should clean them as soon as you notice algae starting to form. A small, quick cleanup is much easier and less stressful for the plant than a major scrub-down later on.

Your Path to a Pristine Aquarium

You now have the complete how to keep anubias plants clean care guide. It’s not about a single magic bullet, but a holistic approach that creates true, long-term balance in your aquarium.

Remember the three pillars: Prevention (balancing light and nutrients), Action (safe manual cleaning), and Allies (your hardworking cleanup crew). By mastering these, you’ll transform your relationship with algae from a constant battle into a simple act of maintenance.

Algae is a natural part of any aquatic ecosystem, but it doesn’t have to dominate your beautiful Anubias. Take these steps, be patient, and watch as your plants return to their full, vibrant glory. Happy fishkeeping!

Howard Parker
Latest posts by Howard Parker (see all)
Related posts
  • Anubias Aquarium Plant Facts – The Ultimate Guide For Lush,
  • Anubias Nana Golden Tissue Culture – Your Ultimate Guide To A