Algae on tank walls

[sliemm]

I have a 120-litre tank and it's begun to grow a thin coating of algae on the walls, sand and rocks. If I clean it, it'll start coming back a week or so later.

It gives the tank a greenish tinge which I know isn't harmful - just aesthetically unpleasant. I'd rather have a clean looking tank. My axolotls don't mind, naturally.

Is there any good, natural way of preventing algal growth that doesn't involve weekly cycling? My apartment does have some natural light coming in, though not an unusually large amount.

My local pet shop had a "green aquarium cleaner" which I baulked at buying - it was bright blue and didn't list any ingredients. Frankly, it looked toxic.

 

[auntiejude]

Algae usually grows when you have too much light and plenty of nitrates, eliminate one and you will reduce algae. More or bigger water changes will reduce nitrates, if you have a light on the tank reduce the time you have it on or turn it off completely. You can also add live plants to absorb some of the nitrates.

 

[SilentBenjam]

keep the water at 16-18 degrees C and get rid of UV lights if you have them.
I think there is a type of sponge you can add to your filter medium to get rid of it.