brown stuff in tank

[tomjack]

I have some brown stuff on in my tank and I'm not sure what it is. All my water tests check out fine except the ph. I've cycled it and have put fish in a little at a time and all is good except this brown stuff. I have pics of it here. I'm thinking it's algea but I'm not sure.

[Sarge_857]

its a normal thing. just do water changes, take out any decor that may have it and scrub it off under warm water. its diatoms i believe. it will eventually go away.

btw, i almost bought that same dragon decor piece!

[Diann62]

I've had that and it is diatoms. I used to feed my fish twice a day and had it all over, then I changed and only fed them once a day and that cleared it up.

[Sarge_857]

yea i forgot to add the part about feeding. reducing feedings will also snuff em out. took about a week or so to clear up in my tank.

i noticed the bubble wall too, while they look nice, they really dont help much with the air exchange. i had one in my 10 gallon and it barely moved the surface. so i went with one of those blue heavy air stones. works wonders plus i noticed the diatoms dont stick well to it.

[NickD]

Yes, it is diatoms, also called brown algae. It's common in newly set up tanks. It will go away on its own.

[excuzzzeme]

Diatoms usually show up in a new tank (not always) and sometimes will clear on their own as the tank cycle settles in. Reducing the amount of food fed, using a quality food with less phosphorus content, using phosphorus absorbers, eliminating carbon are all ways that work to eliminate it. Reducing amount fed is the easiest to try.

I am on well water and carbon reacts with it releasing large amounts of phosphorus. The only way I found that works for me is the elimination of activated carbon. I use only filter media and ceramic rings along with regular water changes. Sometimes I will do PWC 4-5 days apart and no greater than 7.

As far as a bubble wand, I bury mine under the gravel so that it releases larger bubbles. Works great for me.

[tomjack]

Thanks, I'll reduce my feedings down to 1 and see how that works

[jpappy789]

Nicely put excuzzeme :)