Brown algae!

[mtdewlover]

I have a ten gallon tank with four neon tetras (other fish died thanks to my wonderful CAE) Anywho now that I got rid of my CAE I have brown algae. It's gross! I hate plecos with a passion and I can't get a CAE.....
so what else will eat brown algae???

Thanks
Alicia

[OrionGirl]

You're better off identifying the cause of the problem than reacting to the results.

Brown algae usually is not algae, but diatoms. They tend to explode when there's high silica and nutrients in the water. So, test your water source, and consider using filtered water (RO) in mix with the tap water. If this is a relatively new tank, the problem will probably go away on it's own in a few months, making manual cleaning the easiest solution.

Controlling nutrients is another option. If these are diatoms, getting rid of the silica might open the door for green algae in the presence of high nutrients. Consider adding some plants. There are many low light choices that will help reduce nutrients without requiring CO2 supplements of fertilizing.

Of course, reduced feedings and increased water changes will frequently help.

The reason I do not condone using fish is two fold. First, once the problem has been cleaned up, you need to provide food for that fish, and you may not want the fish but get it as a last resort. Not a good way to stock a tank, IMO. The second reason is that algae eating fish don't usually continue to eat algae throughout their life, such as many plecos, or eat very specific types of algae, like otos.

For brown algae, otocinclus are usually considered the best bet. They can be finicky, and have high mortality rates due to shipping issues. Be patient, and purchase 3-4 otos that have been eating well for at least one week in the store. Make sure you will be able to provide for them once the algae/diatoms are gone, or they will starve to death.

[DarthV]

Bristlenose plecos (Ancistrus sp.) usually do a good job on brown algae. And they don't grow as large as common plecos...only about 5-6" long.

[famman]

By far the best brown algae eaters are otocinclus. They are very small, 1.5 inch in length, and like to live in small groups of 4 or more. Even if they are actually a pleco they are kinda cool.
good luck
:)