rusty coloured build up

[fish+peace]

i placed some pebbles form seaside in tank after washing them well, but they have rusty colour all over them as does tank front and some of gravel ive just had my water tested and it is fine does any 1 know what this could be ? cheers all

 

[thecichlidaddict]

Is it kind of slimy and does it wipe off easily? If so you have a case of harmless, if not pretty, diatom algae. This can be an excess of certain nutrients in the tank combined with weak lighting. It's also fairly common in new setups that are still working themselves in. How long has your's been set up?

 

[FishNoob]

It's also fairly common in new setups that are still working themselves in.

I have the same problem. Does it go away on it's own? If not, how can I get rid of it? My tank's been running for about 5 months.

Thanks,
Ed

 

[thecichlidaddict]

I have the same problem. Does it go away on it's own? If not, how can I get rid of it? My tank's been running for about 5 months.

As I mentioned it is usually a sign of excess nutrients. Possibilities include over-feeding, over-stocking, not enough vacuuming or other maintenance. Unfortunately many people have tap water that already has these elements in it, and even perfect fish keeping may not help you. In this case it would be best to keep the lights on longer, or use stronger lighting. This will promote the algae to grow healthy and green, and then there are a number of creatures you can buy to help clean it up that would not normally eat the brown stuff.

 

[fish+peace]

the tanks only been going for a couple of months but the water has been tested and is as it should be, the stuff is quite slimy and just wipes off with finger but looks unsightly i have light on from when i get up for about 12 hours plus the gravel etc is really clean, its just it only seemed to happen after i nput rocks in, maybe its just coincidence, i dont over feed my fish (twice a day) and its eaten within 2 mins could a carbon or poly filter work could it be that filter needs washing (month or two at most old).

 

[Silly me]

Sounds like brown Algae, Usually indicates a lack of light or an excess of silicates and nutrients, but is normal in a new tank.