Yellow/Brown Algae

[Ferris]

Hi all,

I'm having a problem with the larger of my 2 tanks. All the rocks/decorations etc have a fine coating of what looks like Yellow/Brown algae. I think that this is caused by the lighting as i do have a double light tank lid, although the lights are only on for 4-5 hours a day. The water is crystal clear so this issue only slightly affects the appearance of the tank and not the fish/environment but if anyone has any tips on getting rid of this, please let me know.

Thanks

 

[sunflower]

I've recently added a Hagen Green-X tea bag type thing into my filter (bought from LFS, not normal tea!!) which apparently helps to remove phosphate (Nitrite and Nitrate) from your water.

I assume that by reducing phosphate it may also help algae.

 

[JeremyD]

Brown algae is caused by two things, dissolved sillicates in your water, and not enough lighting. Unless you are removing rocks, the sillicates are there to stay. I recommend keeping the lights on a bit longer each day.