Top 7 Fast Growing Plants to Control Algae in Aquarium

Algae is one of the most common frustrations in a freshwater tank. It can cover glass, coat decorations, and make a beautiful aquarium look neglected almost overnight. While lighting, nutrients, and maintenance all play a role, one of the most natural ways to fight algae is by adding fast growing aquarium plants. The good news is that some of the fastest growing aquarium plants are also beginner-friendly, attractive, and easy to fit into different layouts. Whether you want floating plants, stem plants, moss, or carpeting growth, the right choices can help reduce algae while making your aquarium look fuller and more natural. In this guide, we will cover seven of the best algae eating plants and fast growing plants for aquarium use, along with why they work so well in algae control.

Why Are Plants Important in Algae Control?

Aquatic plants are important in algae control because they compete directly with algae for the same resources. When your tank has healthy, fast-growing plants, those plants pull nutrients from the water and substrate before algae can take advantage of them. This helps keep the aquarium more balanced.

Here is why fast growing aquarium plants are so useful:

• They absorb excess nutrients such as nitrate and other dissolved waste
• They reduce open space for algae growth by filling the tank with leaves and stems
• They create shade which can slow certain types of algae
• They improve aquarium stability by supporting a healthier planted environment
• They help the tank look cleaner even while the system is still maturing

It is important to remember that plants do not magically remove algae overnight. They work best when combined with proper lighting, regular water changes, controlled feeding, and a healthy maintenance routine. Still, if you want a more natural and long-term solution, fast growing aquatic plants are one of the best tools you can add to your aquarium.

1. Red Root Floaters

Red Root Floaters are one of the best plants for algae control aquarium hobbyists can use, especially in open-top freshwater tanks. Because they float at the surface, they absorb nutrients directly from the water column and grow quickly under good lighting.

Their biggest strength is how effectively they block excess light. By creating a light cover at the top of the tank, Red Root Floaters help reduce conditions that often trigger algae growth. At the same time, their trailing roots provide a natural look and extra shelter for shrimp, fry, and small fish.

These floating plants do best in gentle flow because strong surface movement can keep them from growing well. If you want a beautiful floating option that also helps reduce algae, Red Root Floaters are a strong choice.

2. Java Moss

Java Moss is one of the most beginner-friendly aquarium plants and a favorite for low-tech tanks. While it may not grow as explosively as some stem plants, it spreads steadily and provides many benefits in a planted aquarium.

This Moss attaches easily to driftwood, rocks, and decorations, making it useful for filling empty spaces where algae might otherwise appear. It also collects fine particles and supports biofilm, which is especially useful in shrimp tanks and breeding setups.

Java Moss helps with algae control by increasing plant mass in the tank and using available nutrients over time. It also shades small areas and softens the look of hardscape, creating a healthier environment overall. Because it can trap debris, Java Moss benefits from occasional trimming and gentle cleaning. When maintained well, it is a practical and attractive algae-fighting plant.

3. Anacharis

Anacharis is one of the fastest-growing aquarium plants and one of the best natural choices for controlling algae in a freshwater tank. It grows quickly, uses a large amount of nutrients, and can be planted in the substrate or left floating.

This flexibility makes Anacharis especially valuable. When floated, it absorbs nutrients directly from the water and helps create shade. When planted, it grows into dense green stems that fill background space and compete strongly with nuisance algae. 

Anacharis does best with moderate light and regular trimming. If left unchecked, it can grow quickly enough to dominate a tank, but that rapid growth is exactly why it is so helpful in the fight against algae.

4. Rotala Narrow Leaf

Rotala Narrow Leaf (Rotala Rotundifolia 'Red') is a beautiful fast growing plant for aquarium setups that need both algae control and visual texture. Its thin leaves and bushy growth pattern make it an excellent background or midground plant in planted tanks.

This plant grows best with decent lighting and steady nutrients. Under the right conditions, it develops dense stems that consume excess nutrients and help outcompete algae. Because it grows upward and outward, it also helps fill empty areas in the aquascape, reducing the amount of exposed surfaces where algae often starts. This is a great option if you want one of the best algae eating plants that also brings a more refined, decorative look to the aquarium.

5. Water Wisteria

Water Wisteria is one of the most recommended fast growing aquatic plants for beginners, and for good reason. It is hardy, adaptable, and highly effective at absorbing nutrients from the tank. In many aquariums, Water Wisteria grows quickly enough to make a visible difference in overall plant mass within a short time.

Its lacy leaves give the tank a softer appearance, and its fast growth helps limit algae by pulling excess nutrients from the water. It can be planted in the substrate or allowed to grow in a looser, more natural style depending on the look you want. Because it grows quickly, Water Wisteria does need regular trimming. But that is exactly what makes it one of the best plants for algae control aquarium setups.

6. Brazilian Pennywort

Brazilian Pennywort is another excellent option for aquarists looking for fast growing plants for aquarium algae control. It has round, attractive leaves and a trailing or upright growth habit depending on how it is planted.

This plant is especially useful because it grows quickly and adapts well to a range of planted tank styles. It can be rooted in the substrate, wrapped around hardscape, or even allowed to float. That flexibility lets aquarists use it in multiple ways while still getting the benefits of fast nutrient uptake.

Its softer, creeping look can make an aquarium feel lush and natural. For hobbyists who want both utility and visual appeal, Brazilian Pennywort is a very smart choice.

7. Pearl Weed

Pearl Weed is one of the most versatile and fastest growing aquarium plants for planted tanks. It can be trimmed into a dense carpet, shaped into bushes, or allowed to grow taller in the midground. This makes it a favorite for aquarists who want flexibility without sacrificing growth speed.

Because Pearl Weed grows quickly and densely, it is excellent at competing with algae. It absorbs nutrients efficiently and fills open space fast, which helps reduce areas where nuisance algae can gain a foothold.

In good conditions, Pearl Weed can grow very quickly, so regular trimming is important. If you stay on top of maintenance, it becomes one of the most effective algae control plants in a freshwater aquarium.

Conclusion

If you are struggling with nuisance algae, adding more plant mass is one of the most natural and effective solutions. The best plants for algae control aquarium setups are usually the ones that grow quickly, absorb nutrients efficiently, and help create balance in the tank over time. The key is to choose fast growing aquarium plants that fit your setup, maintain them regularly, and support them with proper light, feeding control, and water changes. When used correctly, these fast growing aquatic plants do more than just fight algae. They also make your aquarium look healthier, fuller, and far more attractive.

FAQs

Are these aquatic plants easy to care for?

Yes, most of these aquatic plants are considered easy to moderate in care, which makes them suitable for many freshwater aquariums. Java Moss, Anacharis, Water Wisteria, and Brazilian Pennywort are especially beginner-friendly. Rotala Narrow Leaf and Red Root Floaters may need a bit more attention to lighting and flow, but they are still manageable in a stable planted tank.

How often should I trim these plants?

Most fast growing plants for aquarium use should be trimmed every one to three weeks depending on growth speed, lighting, and nutrients. Plants like Pearl Weed, Water Wisteria, and Anacharis may need more frequent trimming because they grow quickly. Regular trimming helps keep them healthy and improves their ability to control algae.

What is the best tank size to keep all of these plants?

A tank of at least 20 gallons is usually a better starting point if you want to keep all or most of these plants together comfortably. A larger aquarium gives you more room for floating plants, stem plants, and spreading species without overcrowding. Smaller tanks can still use several of these plants, but careful trimming and layout planning will be more important.