Brown Algae...

[ACD74131]

Hi Everyone. Up untill now my tank has been running fine, 10% water changes, etc etc.

I have 5 neons, 6 white clouds, 2 cory's in my 10 gallon setup.

Brown algae has starting to grow on all sides of the tank and on plants as well. Is there any way to either slow it down or stop it? I bought a scrubber today. Would a chemical help rid the problem?

Also another question - what does brown algae mean anyways?

Edit - Ill add some more info.

I keep my light on no more than 5 hours (In the evening). All the plants in the tank are fake. Temp is about 75-76.

[aquariumfishguy]

Brown algae can be caused by several factors. Here's a few of the more common, obvious ones...as explained to me by a biology teacher of mine back in the 80's.

ABC's of LOG

A. Lighting Quality: Poor lighting, or being left on too long. Make sure you have the proper wattage for the gallage tank you have. Also, remember. If you have no live plants, lighting can be limited to 6-10 hours per day. If you do have live plants, keep the lights on no longer than 12 or so hours.

B. Overfeeding Factor: Do you feed your fish too much food at one period? Does food fall to the gravel, or get suck in your plants/filter intake tube? Make sure your fish eat 95% of what you feed within 1-2 minutes.

C. General Poor Water Quality: Generally, do you have a bad water quality? Is your ammonia/nitrites at zero? Are your nitrAtes below 25-30 ppm? Whats your pH? That should be around neutral...give or take 1 whole number (6.0-8.0...with 7 being ideal)

If nothing, always remember the word LOG when discussing algae, esp brown algae. It will help you...this method works, I've used it back when I needed some help and Internet wasn't even around. ;)

[wigglejaggles]

Hey Now,

The brown algae in your tank are diatoms. Go to www.skepticalaquarist.com and you can read up about them.

The diatoms will not hurt the fish, and is common in newly setup tanks. The best method I have found to keep diatoms in check is to add a small group of otocinclus catfish. They are perfect for your 10 gallon as they only reach a max size of 2 inches.
They attack and eat up diatoms like its nobodys business. If you have a small group of say three healthy ottos in there, I would bet that your tank would be clear of diatoms in five days.

Now the problem is this. Your tank is already overstocked for a 10 gallon. I would choose either the tetras or the whiteclouds but not both.
Maybe get another 10 gallon and put one school into that. That would be the only way I think you could add three ottos in there safely. You need at least three ottos because they thrive in groups.

ok thats my two cents...anyone else can chime in on something I might have missed. But trust me...ottos are your best bet.

take care,
Jared

[ACD74131]

I was guilty on A & B.

A. I would keep my light on like all night when I came home and would turn it off when I got up - 9-10 hours. I have since then cut it down to 5.

B. I feed the fish once a day - but at first being the noob I am, I was putting more food then I should have been. Since then I am getting the hang on the amount of food going in.

As far as overstocking - is it by alot? They are all 1" or less. The cory's are like babies - 1" at most.

I also just took a look at the filter box and media - disgusting. I changed the media (took carbon out) and cleaned the pipe and impellar (sp?). I am going to keep going with the scrub and 10% water changes weekly.

Thanks ...

[aquariumfishguy]

It sounds like you are on your way to getting rid of this stuff. However, I wouldn't recommend ottos to get rid of these diatoms. First of all, your tank is already at a maximum capacity as it is, so dont add any more fish. Secondly, you dont want to get something to mask the problem. Hence, the reason for the ABC's of LOG. The steps I showed you are all ways to remove diatoms (and other forms of algae), but aren't provided merely to "cover things up". If the ottos ate the diatoms that would be great...but if this algae keeps coming back, there is a problem which should be delt with.

I think you are doing good. Hang in there! ;)

[ACD74131]

Maybe someone can tell me what is developing back here...

http://www.savepic.com/freepicturehosting/is.php?i=97682&img=Snaps3_001.jpg

[OrionGirl]

Are you asking about the reddish scum around the air line, or the white on the hood?

The reddish scum looks like the results of bio-film and high iron--neither fatal, easily cleaned, and not really a problem. the bio film will build up on everything, but is more noticable in areas where the water level fluctuates--a layer gets exposed to the air, dries out and dies, then is submerged, and a new layer grows on the dead one. It builds up everywhere, but never as gunky and thick in areas that are always wet.

The white--hard water deposits, the result of the water splashing. Reduce the splashing and it will quit building up. It can be removed with some vinegar and hard work--away from teh fish tank. If it's on the surface of the glass, you can use a rag with a bit of vinegar, just be careful, or use a razor blade.