Brown Algae

[Barry P]

Hi, after 2 months cycling i have finally turned my tank into a healty crystal clear environment for my fish, however, at least once a week i take out my fake plants and rock and give them a good scrub, but after a day or so they are covered in a brown substance which the fish seem to eat but not enough to get rid of it...can anyone tell me what this brown substance is...? Is it harmful or not, what can get rid of it.?

 

[modernhamlet]

Hi, after 2 months cycling i have finally turned my tank into a healty crystal clear environment for my fish, however, at least once a week i take out my fake plants and rock and give them a good scrub, but after a day or so they are covered in a brown substance which the fish seem to eat but not enough to get rid of it...can anyone tell me what this brown substance is...? Is it harmful or not, what can get rid of it.?

That would probably be brown algae. It's very common in recent aquarium setups. Much to my chagrin, my high-light tank is currently full of it.

Here's a brief description and how to avoid/deal with it...

http/www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/algae.htm#brown

 

[Somethings Fishy Here]

Yea, I agree with modernhamlet as I've had some in the past too, I'd take a look at that site on how to deal with it as it contains good information

 

[Barry P]

It mentions on this site that a catfish is good for ridding the tank of brown algae...any idea what kind of catfish i should buy..i have a 60l (15gallon) tank....

 

[modernhamlet]

It mentions on this site that a catfish is good for ridding the tank of brown algae...any idea what kind of catfish i should buy..i have a 60l (15gallon) tank....

In your 60L, the best bet are otos. They stay small (<3") and eat algae like there's no tomorrow. They prefer to be kept in groups though, so go for 3 or 4. That would leave you pretty much stocked (but algae free!)...

One other note about otos, they're known to be pretty sensitive. How long have you had the tank set up? Are you ammonia and nitrite at 0? Do you keep your nitrates down below 20ppm?

 

[Barry P]

Thanks as ever Modernhamlet for your response, the tank is now 2 months in, and all the tests came up rosey, Do these otos live around the bottom of the tank?? because thats one place that i need fish, i have nothing around the bottom....

 

[modernhamlet]

Thanks as ever Modernhamlet for your response, the tank is now 2 months in, and all the tests came up rosey, Do these otos live around the bottom of the tank?? because thats one place that i need fish, i have nothing around the bottom....

Otos live wherever there is algae. Which is usually near the bottom on plants (real or plastic) or on the tank glass itself.

 

[Barry P]

Excellent, just rang my LFS and ordered 3 to be ready for me on my way home. Thanks all!!!!