How to get rid of brown algae?

E

EmmaH

AC Members
Apr 11, 2007
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Hi, I've got a 5g tank. We had a problem with overfeeding, but followed advise from forum users and things are much better.

Still having a problem with brown algae forming on the tank sides and ornaments. We are keeping the light on approx. 10-12 hours per day. We would appreciate some advice on getting rid of the brown algae, or controlling it.

Thanks:confused:
 
Waht are the othere tankmates?

Personally, if they work with your setup, I would recommend Otos ;)

Other than that, you can always manual remove it. This is common in new tanks, especially acrylic.
 
brown algae /diatoms..related to phosphate levels and silicates.
very common in glass aquariums that are new (glass is suppected of leaching silicates)
generally they will go away in time.
they can get really bad..oto's love the stuff
 
Just 3 male guppies in the tank.

Not sure what an 'Oto' is, but will check with the fish store.

Thanks for the advice.
 
na i wouldnt get an oto for a tank this size. They are delicate (they are small little algae eaters that love brown algae). Try cutting down the light to 8 hours. Is there any direct sunlight?
 
you can try limiting the light but diatoms can survive a low light situation.

blackouts have some effect but who wants to black a tank out every few days.

in a small tank.just keep the tank clean. diatoms are usually easily rubbed off or scraped off..eventually the tank will run it's course and they will become less of a problem.
 
Hi musho3210. There is no direct sunlight. I will try cutting down the light to 8hrs. Thanks for your help.
 
I have an oto (otocinclus) for each of my 5 gallon betta tanks. They have cleaned up the algae wonderfully (and both tanks were completely brown at one point), and continue to do so. I suppliment their diet with half a wafer every other day, and zucchini once a week. Both happy little campers.
 
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