Tank Cleaning

[steveo123xxx]

I have a 48 gal tank and I have articial plants right now it really needs cleaning what do I use to do it right
the plants have brown stuff on it. I dont see any green algae,or moss anywhere
I have done water changes and used a vacuum for under the gravel cleaning
should i use any cleaning solvents or just good old fashion elbow grease and water ?
I do have about 25 fish in the tank mostly mollies and groumies

 

[ollyhtafc]

The brown stuff will come off if you just run it under water.or mine does anyway...

 

[Duck and Dive]

Doesn't brown algea form when the tank isn't lit enough?

 

[lovemyfraggies]

What I use to clean my plants, ornaments and glass is a long handle scrubber. You can buy it at wal-mart in the fish dept or any pet store. Don't use regular cleaning scrubbers in case it has cleaning agents. The long handle scrubber really works great. Good luck!

 

[Gazpug]

What I use to clean my plants, ornaments and glass is a long handle scrubber. You can buy it at wal-mart in the fish dept or any pet store. Don't use regular cleaning scrubbers in case it has cleaning agents. The long handle scrubber really works great. Good luck!

Get yourself an Algea magnet. They are really good for cleaning the glass. I have a 300ltr tank and it really makes it easy.

 

[rdd1952]

ollyhtafc is close to correct that brown algae comes from too little light. It isn't really brought on by that but can be cured usually with more light (unlike most algae that is brought on by too much light). It's common in new tanks as it is diatoms and feeds off the silica from the silicone used to glue glass tanks together. It will actually go away over time but you can easily remove it by rubbing it off or rinsing it under tap water. Algae magnets work well for removing it from the tank walls. Just be careful if you happen to have an acrylic tank or you can scratch it severely if you get a piece of sand or gravel between the magnet and the tank wall.