Brown Algae

newhobby · Mar 5, 2006

How do I get rid of brown algae?

iggy01 · Mar 5, 2006

How long has your tank been set up?

If it's a new tank, I wouldn't worry about it. Brown algae (diatoms) is often seen in new set ups and usually diappears by itself after a few weeks.

newhobby · Mar 5, 2006

No, it isn't a new tank. I have had it set up for at least eight months now. The algae just started appearing within the last two months or so.

iggy01 · Mar 5, 2006

Does the algae wipe off easily?

newhobby · Mar 5, 2006

Yes it does wipe off easily and the fish don't mind eating it, but will it go away?

Sheridanp · Mar 5, 2006

I had that alot. Until I got my algae eater, it's never been there since. I just scrubbed it off, it always came back. Best bet is to probably get an algae eater, but wait for more replies because I'm no fish scientist.

iggy01 · Mar 5, 2006

It sounds like diatoms. This is usually seen in new tanks, which can have excess silicates in the water which encourages the growth.

It is also sometimes seen in tanks where the lighting is too low. Do you think your fluorescent lighting is on the way out?

Failing that .......ottocinclus love the stuff!

IceH2O · Mar 5, 2006

You shouldn't just add fish to mask a problem. Algae can be a by-product of to much Phosphate in your tank. It usually comes from tap water. Your city water probably ups this in the winter months. I'm betting it will disappear come warmer weather.

Is the tank planted? A few live plants might help solve the problem, make sure they are fast growing plants. Slow growing plants won't help. Whats your tank size and light wattage? I can recommend some plants for you.

If you have high enough lighting hornwort and anachris will work best, they can both be used as floating plants.

As a plus your silver dollar will thank you because they really should have some plant matter to chew on.

newhobby · Mar 5, 2006

I really should update my fish list... the silver dollar has gone on to fish heaven, as has most of the fish listed. I still have a couple mollies, a couple swordys and my catfish (type unknown

). But to get back to the problem at hand. Lighting sounds like it could possibly be the problem. The bulb is a 15 watt. The entire housing sits on top of the cover over the top of the aquarium. The cover can get so dirty or filmy rather, that I guess it can dim the light. I have also noticed a build up of white crusty stuff on the top and around the rim of the tank. Any ideas on what that could be. And......since I'm mentioning problems, I have also noticed brown slimey stuff on the filter. Is that just more of the brown algae?

IceH2O · Mar 5, 2006

I doubt its lighting. If you had better lights you'd just have green instead of brown. Light doesn't cause algae, conditions do.

What are your water parameters? AM,NI,NA

I'm guessing its either high nitrates or high phosphates, which you can't check for unless you buy another test kit. Since you have city water I think you can call or email your city water company and ask for a water breakdown report. It'll show how much phoshate, nitrates, iron,chlorine, etc is added to the water.