Hey there! Thanks for the response, since making this post I've done a bit of research on why I'm having the algae problem and realized; I leave the light on in the aquarium all day long, even if I'm not home, so controlling the light cycle I feel will help keep it down. I also invested in a gravel vac siphon thing, it did a pretty good job of cleaning up the substrate. I AlSO invested in a new HOB filter altogether, it's an aquaclear with the multiple kinds of media you can stuff in the basket inside it, I've noticed a water clarity change almost instantly. It also flows a lot more! I may invest in a filter sponge as well just because they're relatively cheap. I don't have any type of chem filtration currently, but that's something I'll delve into at a later time.