Brown Algae?

[Smart_Blue]

Hi all, is this brown algae? and what shall i do with it?

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

Just wipe it off.

I think it adds to the effect of the ruins actually hehe.

Brown algae (diatoms) is common in newer set ups and can be caused by trace amounts of ammonia in the water. Just keep your water clean and wipe it off. It will take a while to get rid of it, but don't worry about it .

 

[Smart_Blue]

Will probably just leave it then if it doesnt get too much messy, I do a 20% water change every week, is this enough? I have had my tank set up for 12 weeks now (including 6 weeks cycle) I have yet to rinse out my filter media, when is it recommended to give them a rinse (in a bucket of tank water of course )

This sites been really helpful getting my first tank set up and now I am enjoying the joys of fish keeping, I have had a tetra die on me and had to take my pearl gourami back for bullying, all a good learning curve

cheers

 

[BigbruiserAl]

Will be Diatoms

Brown algae is a common occurrence in a newly set up aquarium. It is generally caused by too little light, an excess of silicates, an abundance of nutrients, and too little oxygen
Referred to as a microalgae, brown or golden algae is actually not an algae at all, but diatoms. What you are actually seeing in your tank are diatom skeletons, all linked together. It can appear as a simple dusting on the tank walls and substrate surfaces, or it can turn into a massive growth that covers just about everything in the tank. This type of algae outbreak typically occurs when a tank is just completing or has finished the nitrogen cycling process,

 

[HayzH]

ive had brown "stuff" settling on my sand.....does this mean the cycle is thinking of giving up!!!!

 

[Smart_Blue]

I must admit, I only have the light on about 5-6 hours a day, I have to get a timer set up, as I only turn it on when I get home from work and switch it off before bed... would leaving the light on for 10-12 hours reduce/eliminate these diatoms without any other action?

 

[Jamie24]

Get a few Otto's for your tank, it will be gone in a day, they love the stuff, of course don't get them for that reason alone they are however pretty neat fish to watch.

 

[stu40]

I must admit, I only have the light on about 5-6 hours a day, I have to get a timer set up, as I only turn it on when I get home from work and switch it off before bed... would leaving the light on for 10-12 hours reduce/eliminate these diatoms without any other action?

Doing this might well lead to all different coloured algae

Try reading this My link
Oto's will eat it, but require a regular amount of algae to survive.You can supplement their diet, but they can be fussy eaters.
IMHO they're not an easy fish for beginners (if that's what you are), lots of people struggle to keep them alive.

 

[minnnt]

How big is your tank Smart_Blue?

10-12 hours will cause worse problems than diatoms. 7-8 would be a more reasonable figure once you have a timer. Adding some live plants will help use up some nutrients in the water. Up your water changes to something like 25%-30% for a few weeks to see if the problems receed.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

ive had brown "stuff" settling on my sand.....does this mean the cycle is thinking of giving up!!!!

Typically occurs when a tank is just completing or has finished the nitrogen cycling process, pay attention grass hopper

 

[HayzH]

ive had brown "stuff" settling on my sand.....does this mean the cycle is thinking of giving up!!!!

Typically occurs when a tank is just completing or has finished the nitrogen cycling process, pay attention grass hopper

i know...i meant does that mean my tank is nearly cycled then........ I am tooooo impaitent!! *stamps foot*
EDIT: TANKS!!! grrrrrrrrrrr

 

[BigbruiserAl]

ive had brown "stuff" settling on my sand.....does this mean the cycle is thinking of giving up!!!!

Typically occurs when a tank is just completing or has finished the nitrogen cycling process, pay attention grass hopper

i know...i meant does that mean my tank is nearly cycled then........ I am tooooo impaitent!! *stamps foot*
EDIT: TANKS!!! grrrrrrrrrrr

pretty much i got brown stuff about 11 days before my cycle ended, took a good month to go after

 

[minnnt]

Not that it is a solution, but a Bristlenose will devour the 'brown stuff' within a few hours. I donated 2 to the sister in laws 190 litre tank and it was spotless by the following day. Although remember that these grow to 6" so ensure your tank is big enough to accomodate one!

 

[Smart_Blue]

Yes, I am new to the fish game, my tank dimensions are 24" x 15" x 18" - 90litres/22Gallons

so advice is much appreciated thanks guys

 

[Smart_Blue]

I am having to clean my tank once a week (take out ornaments/plants and scrub) due to this brown stuff.... its not clearing up on its own?

Starting to do my head in...

I dont over feed, Im not over stocked, I have the lights on 8 hours a day, all parameters are fine

Do I need to buy an algae eater? if so what kind would you recommend for my set up?

Thanks for any help...