Brown algae

[Chuck_S]

My pleco (1.5inch) died last week, I was informed that it did not belong in my 10 gallon tank.

Would a otto work for this size tank, is one enough?

I have white gravel and notice this brown color appearing. Is brown a bad thing.

Thanks,
CS

 

[newfishies]

i bought 2 ottos and overnight my brown algae was gone!!!!!
they are quite industrious!

 

[Crystal]

I noticed I had a little brown alge in my tank as well a little while ago, so i did a search on the forums and came up with it is not harmful. otos are good for eating it, but they like to be kept in groups, and I don't know how many you can add to a 10 gal. it depends on how stocked you are already.

 

[The-Wolf]

Brown algea is not actually an algea but it is diatoms.
diatoms often appear in new tanks and, as Crystal has pointed out
harmless. To get rid of diatoms increase the light, either add more light of keep current light on for longer.