Just started having a little problem...

[nova60]

Hello all,
I'm also new to the site and freshwater-planted tanks. My 30-gallon has almost been set up for a year now. Just started having a little problem with brown algae. From what I've read it's actually a diatom caused by silica in my tank. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, I use RO water only for water changes.

Thanks,

nova60

[Linda S]

insufficient light, or high nitrates. How old are your bulbs in your lights, do you test for nitrates? I change my bulbs every six months, and monitor nitrates to be sure my plants are using them up. HTH

[DevilSpirit]

I used to have that problem. In my case, I chose to ignore it, and it turned green...not sure why. Then I just scrubbed it off.

[jpappy789]

I've had diatoms last for 6-8 months so the tank still might be new enough. Granted, the diatoms developed a lot earlier so I'm not sure that is the case.

Anyways, pure RO water is not healthy for fish. Its sort of like the equivalent to a human living in a vacuum. Not the best analogy though.

[alicialav]

Get a ramshorn snail! (just one though, they reproduce like mad.)

[bushwhacker]

unless its a salt water tank there really isnt any reason to use RO water, your normal tap with a good declorinater (if needed) is fine. i'm so far out in the sticks that my city water is all i use in my tanks straight out of the tap.

[nova60]

Two months ago I put on a new hood with 2 T5 lights, so I don't think that's the problem. I use the API nitrate test kit and my test is at 0 ppm.

Did not know that about RO water. I won't even drink LA tap water so I'm hesitant to use that in my tank. What about using Kent RO Right or Equilibrium Mineral Balance & GH? I use these products when I do a weekly 5 gallon water change. Is that too many water changes?

[jpappy789]

Your water changes are actually on the low side. Most people try to do at least 20-30% weekly.

There are a lot of people here from the LA/SoCal area and I would not be surprised if the majority use tap water. You could use RO water as long as you add the essentials back, but its another cost.

[nova60]

Wow! thanks for letting me know I was not doing big enough water changes. Just one question: Should 20-30% be done at one time, or should that be done over a week? I guess I will start using SoCal tap if I'm upping to that much water. Thanks!

[jpappy789]

It can be done all at one time. I do close to 50% a week, and I know of people who do more because stocking or another reason.

I'd make the transition to just tap water slow to make sure your fish get acclimated.

[nova60]

What is a good dechlorinate. Currently I have Tetra AquaSafe. Is that okay?

[jpappy789]

Never used the product but if it removes chlorine/chloramine it should be fine. I use Prime myself.

[nova60]

Thank you. I'll check out Prime and slowly start incorporating tap to my increased water changes.