to help control algea I do aquaponic culture with pothos , keep the leaves out of the water and the roots in the water. the plant is thriving, algea is lessened and the fish enjoy picking little tasty things of the roots. Pothos is easy to root by putting cuttings in water, you can also do the same with other plants such as peace lily. both those plants can be purchased in just about any plant department - even Walmart, due to the fact that my tank receives no natural light I put a light raised above the plants in addition to my fish light.to raise your plant light you can build an A-Frame type contraption out of wood propped on the top of your tank , suspend it from the ceiling or prop it up on plastic containers as I have done- whatever works for you. the pothos also helps to control nitrate levels - however the pothos dos not control the human hand dipping in the fish food can to extra feed LOL.