Controlling Algae in an Outdoor Yabby Tank

An outdoor tank housing baby yabbies (freshwater crayfish) has turned green. The owner suspects warm weather and wants solutions without moving the tank indoors.

Why Algae Blooms

Algae thrive on three things: nutrients (yabby waste), light, and warm water. Summer temperatures accelerate growth. The tank functions like a small pond, so pond algae principles apply.

Effective Management

• Regular water changes dilute nutrients.
• Add live plants (e.g., hornwort, anacharis) to compete for nutrients.
• Reduce light exposure with shade cloth or floating plants.
• Barley straw or extract can inhibit algae naturally.

Complete eradication is unlikely, but these steps keep algae manageable. See tank algae control and pond algae control for detailed methods.