Algae Problem

[timbruun]

I've got a bit of a brown algae problem in my tank and I was just wondering if by getting it under control does it clear up itself or do I have to take every rock that it's on and scrub it off?

And I think I have some black hair algae in one of my other tanks on some plants. What is the best way to deal with that? And what causes it?

Oh and what are the main causes of brown algae also. I figure my nitrates are a bit high so I'm doing every other day 50% water changes and laying off the feeding a bit. And I have started to have my lights on less also. I used to have them on from 8am to 11pm which I know is too long. I bought a timer now. I only have 1.5 watts per gallon right now and it's somewhat planted. Most plants are new within a couple weeks.

Thanks in advance.

 

[timbruun]

bump

 

[OldMan47]

If you get the algae under control, the existing algae will eventually die and rot away. If you want fast results, you do indeed need to scrub it off.

 

[doresy]

If you want a 'quick get rid of' then get a big bucket and fill with 25% solution of cheap thin bleach in water. Place rocks in there for several minutes and that will kill everything. Blast off with hose and replace in your tank. WSill keep the algae at bay for a week or so but you will have to find out what is causing it. Google is your friend

 

[timbruun]

Awesome. I working on what's causing it for sure. Just didn't want to have to scrub every rock in there. I don't mind the main top ones.