Brown Algae

[Faythee]

I noticed some spots of brownish color algae on my tank walls a couple days ago. Scrubbed it off and it is back already but even more of it ! I also see it all over my lighter colored fabric plants. Is this dangerous to my fish and how do I get rid of it ?
Thanks

 

[celaeno]

it's not dangerous to the fish. it's commonly thought that brown algae grows in areas of low light, so you can increase light levels and get green algae instead . or if your tank is mature enough and cycled, you could chance it by getting otos.

 

[Faythee]

LOL

Excuse my ignornace but I do not even know what otos are ?

I do need to go get a plec for my tank. Problem is I want a cool looking one and haven't seen one in the stores that caught my eye. I may need to order them.

If I get ones that do not get over, say 6"....Should I get 2 for a 75 gal. tank ? Do they have to have driftwood ? I have slate and a piece of wood but honestly do not even know what it is....not driftwood.
Thanks !

 

[celaeno]

you can read about otos here.

for a 75 gallon tank with a lot of algae that has been running for a year or more, and with small to medium size peaceful fish, i recommend 4 otos.

otherwise, i'd get a bristlenose plec, but they prefer a piece of wood to chew on.

from my experience, otos are rather nocturnal and poop alot if you have a lot of algae for them to feed on. i've also read that bristlenose also poop alot.