Golden Algae?

[greatfish123]

Hi all,
I recently noticed that some spots on the walls of my tank and some of my gravel have recently started to taken on a yellowish golden color. Can someone please tell me what this is and if it is harmful? I have attached a pic for reference.

thanks,
greatfish

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Yup looks like "brown algae" which are diatoms. They come from excess silicates (some from tap water but also leeches out of the glass of new tanks), and excess phosphates (can also come from the tap). Unsightly but harmless, and usually goes away after about a year. Should come off easily...I used to use a toothbrush to clean it off the glass and decorations.

 

[modaz]

Yup looks like "brown algae" which are diatoms. They come from excess silicates (some from tap water but also leeches out of the glass of new tanks), and excess phosphates (can also come from the tap). Unsightly but harmless, and usually goes away after about a year. Should come off easily...I used to use a toothbrush to clean it off the glass and decorations.

yep easy to get rid of and eventually doesnt come back and wont harm the tank

 

[GuppyDude]

My mother's tank is infested with this as well. Aside from being a nasty shade of brown, its harmless. Plecos and ottos i know for sure will eat it, but it can also be easily scraped off as Aphotic mentioned.

 

[greatfish123]

thanks for your help guys!