Rust Colored Build Up In My Tank?

[k9cop]

OK my 10 gallon tank is nearing the end of the cycle. I have two gold fish in the tank and noticed that over the last two or so days there has been a fast and steady build up of some sort of rust colored substance. It is on my rocks, plants, filter tube etc.

What is it? Do I need to do anything?

 

[wendywc]

Wild guess, but is it brown algae? Can it be rubbed off easily?

 

[k9cop]

Wild guess, but is it brown algae? Can it be rubbed off easily?

Yes rubbs off very easy. If it is brown algae is this good or bad?

 

[wendywc]

Brown algae is a whole lot better than green at least. But yeah, just wipe it off from everything, gravel vac, and do a water change. Regular vacs and water changes should prevent it. If not, a brighter light might help.

 

[k9cop]

Brown algae is a whole lot better than green at least. But yeah, just wipe it off from everything, gravel vac, and do a water change. Regular vacs and water changes should prevent it. If not, a brighter light might help.

OK that is what I did, 50% water change, vac the gravel, and washed my plants and stuff off. I am still battleing about a 2ppm Nitrite level so I am doing regular water changes.