Brown Algae On Plant Leaves

[highfire]

I have read the pinned topics but can't seem to find any specific information on brown algae on plant leaves.

My set up is just over 2 months old now, and my main problem (apart from cycling taking forever!) has been brown algae. It isn't too bad, and I am able to remove it from the glass, wood and rocks easily.

However, my main concern is the plants. The algae is on the leaves of most of the plants, but some plants don't have any. It isn't completely taking over, and the plants are healthy with lots of new growth, but I was wondering if I should remove the algae from the plant leaves? If so, how would I go about it?

To be honest, the thought of trying to do remove the brown algae from all my plants fills me with dread, and also I am concerned about damaging the plants.

Sorry I can't provide any pictures, but I do have a substantial amount of plants and as I said they are all growing very well.

Water stats are:

Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 10
PH: 7.5

Many thanks for any help.

 

[Dave Spencer]

Good old Otos keep brown diatoms at bay:

They prefer to be kept in small groups.

Dave.

 

[highfire]

Thanks for the prompt reply Dave.

Would ottos be suitable for my tank - see my sig for discription.

I should also point out that while it has a heater, the temp is always around 22oC. Would this be OK for ottos?
Also, what sort of size doe they grow to?

Sorry for all the questions!

Thanks.

 

[Themuleous]

They sure would ottos are a great little fish, I think I'd have them in any community tank of mine, even if algae wasn't a problem.

Sam

 

[SMcCreath]

Hi,

I too had a lot of brown algae on my plants for the first two months of its set up. I also read the pinned topics on algae growth and agree it didn't solve the problem.

However, I did some more research and understand that it can be caused by a number of issues. Firstly, and probably most importantly, it could be down to your plants not growing correctly, if that makes sense. I suppose some things to consider are: - Do you inject CO2 into you tank? Do you re-fertilise every for weeks? What substrate do you have?

I found that once I took the plants out and cleaned them and then increased the CO2 ever so slightly (I’d recommend a permanent test kit in your tank to monitor CO2 levels in order not to harm your fish) up together with regular re-fertilising, I fingers (tightly) crossed haven't had a reoccurrence and its been a while!

I also find that my plants seem to flourish after a water change, as new nutrients are have been added (from my understanding).

I would be very interested in other peoples view on this as I believe its probably more of a common problem than people like to admit.

 

[highfire]

Thanks for the interesting replies and opinions - every little helps.

I don't actually inject any CO2 into my tank as I was told by one member of staff and a LFS that there wasn't really any need. I must admit, though, that I'm not entirely convinced, as I have read alot about additional CO2 being needed in planted tanks. I shall definately have to re-look at that one.

I fertilise the plants every week - well, I have just started that routine, so I guess they still need a bit of a boost as it's early days yet.

My substrate is black sand.

Ottos certainly sound fun - I think I shall see about getting some, along with a CO2 kit.

Thanks again folks!