Brown Algae ?

[phil_ip]

In my tank I have what looks to be algae, but is brown. Is there such thing as brown algae? Is there any type of pleco that could help with this, or should I take care of it manually?

[valerie]

Otos are the only thign i have ever found to be very good at eating brown algae and i have tried tons of algae eaters. I added a small group of 3 to my 58gal and all the brown algae was pretty much gone the next day.

[firetank]

i found a few Chinese Algae Eaters spread across my tanks did a good job of all algae present.....

:D

[OrionGirl]

Brown algae is actually diatoms. Very common in new setups, and usually wears itself out within a short time. I recommend manual cleanings for 3-4 weeks. If it hasn't resolved itself by then, you may want to look at your water source for silicates. Buying a fish to deal with a problem that goes away on it's own is bad. All algae eaters will require supplemental feedings, and shouldn't be purchased without taking this into account.

[valerie]

My brown algae hasn't gone away by itself and its been 5 months. Will it go away by itself even in a low light situation? I haven't got any green algae growing yet. I dont' mind the brown since it is better then the green, I was jsut curious.

[VoodooChild]

I still have brown algae after two years. My bristlenose kinda picked at it but I really had to supplement his diet. I've heard that if you increase the lighting you'll grow green algae, which everything loves, but this may or may not be myth. Just gotta keep scrubbin' I guess:rolleyes:

[valerie]

i don't mind the brown algae since it makes my rocks lok natural and is easier to deal with then some of the green algae. I was jsut wondering people always say brown algae happends in the "breaking in" stage of a new tank and goes away after. Is this true only for higher light tanks(2 wpg) because in my 15gal and 90gal i have only even had brown algae and the 15gal is over 4 years old(it only has 1 wpg)

[OrionGirl]

Check the silicates in your water source. If a diatom bloom persists for more than about 6 months, I would suspect a renewing source of silicates (the diatoms make a crunchy shell of silicates), most likely your water source. If you can, try using an RO mix water for a few months and see if that makes a difference.

[stik6shift98]

my plecos and chinese algea eaters eat quite a bit of it...and sometimes i just get fed up and clean it off myself