Brown algae growing on water sprite

LisaLB24

Hi, all. I have a Water Sprite in my 5 gallon beta tank that lately has been growng a coat of brown algae. I do a 50% water change twice weekly and water params are good. I wipe down the tank walls but don't know how to clean the Water Sprite. Any tips? Should I maybe add a snail? Thanks!

zof

I would just take it out of water and gently wipe it down with my fingers, a couple of weeks and the algae should no longer be a problem.

tanker

If you'd like one, an Apple Snail will eat some of the brown algae, but as zof says it'll probably just disappear after a while. I have an Apple Snail with my bettas and they get on ok. IMO, they are nice to have, regardless of their algae-eating abilities.

LisaLB24

Thanks! I will take out the plant and clean it when I change water tonight. I was afraid of damaging the roots but I'll try to be super careful. I did want a snail for the tank anyway and added a mystery snail this afternoon. My big bully beta wouldn't leave him alone and was pecking at him every time he opened. I moved him to my community tank and have really enjoyed watching him this afternoon. Thanks for the suggestions, all!