Brown Algae

[Bloopie]

Hi,

I've had a 29 gallon tank for close to 2 years now.
I do a 30% water change once in 2 weeks and test the water for ammonia/nitrates. Everything is in order and I've had the same fish in since the start. They seem happy as can be.

However, one thing bothers me.
I get brown algae all the time.
After I clean up the whole tank, it takes the algae about 5 or 6 days to show again. It's not all over the place but sometimes it gets bad within a week and I have to clean it up again.

My fish seem indifferent to it... my Synodontis Eupterus is very rarely eating it.

Now, it's never *really* bothered me but I would like to know if this indicates if there is something wrong with the tank and if I can get rid of it somehow?
I did read somewhere that brown algae should turn into beneficial green algae if the tank gets more lighting. Is this true?

I also read somewhere else that it could be caused by the light in the tank being on for more than 8 or 9 hours a day. I have it on for about 14 hours a day.
Could it be simple as that?

Thanks

 

[TayTay]

The brown algae you are describing sounds like brown beard algae. Not many fish or shrimp will eat it, and the ones that do will eat little of it. Would you happen to know your wpg(watts per gallon)? I think 14 hours is too long, but we need to know your wpg to determine that.

 

[mark7616]

It sounds like diatoms to me is it real easy to clean and grows on anything??? If so it can be a sign of your tank maturing.

 

[Bloopie]

It is really easy to clean and grows everywhere randomly.
I have no idea about the WTG...
But this is my light bulb: http/www.akva.sk/pdf/neon_philips_aqua_5278.pdf