I need help w/brown algae problem

[Aquaskilz]

Hey Guys,
Does anybody have advice on how to get rid of brown algae?

Tank Parameters:

45 gal
Temp, 78 degrees
nitrate 0
nitrite 0
PH 7.0
amonia 0
gh & Kh about 3-4pp

2 (small) s.american cichlids
2 (small) oscars
1 dempsy
1 silver dollar 3in

[OrionGirl]

How long has the tank been set up? Brown algae is most likely diatoms, not really an algae at all. It is quite common in a new setup, but runs it's course and fades away. If this is an established tank, there are a few fish that eat diatoms, but I don't think they'd work with the existing fish.

If it is an existing tank, I think the problem is likely an over-abundance of nutrients. The oscars alone over stock a 45 gallon tank even as juveniles.

[Aquaskilz]

this tank has been set up for about 10 months (maybe longer) the oscars I just put in this wknd. they're a 1inch long

[OrionGirl]

Sounds like an overload of nutrients. You have several fish in there that will need a much larger system eventually. Oscars get to around 18 inches as mature adults, many S American cichlids can exceed 10 inches, Dempseys can get above 12 inches, and silver dollars ring in fairly large as well. With the exception of the silver dollar, most of these fish also can be very aggressive and territorial. Sorry, but I see this tank having some problems in the future--algae being the least of your worries.

[Aquaskilz]

thanks OG I respect your advice. you truley know your game.
Just a little note: I plan to ugrade to a 75g. I was having this problem before I added all these fish. do you know what i can do.
(I think youre right about the diatoms) - how do u get rid of diatoms?? where are they coming from?/

[OrionGirl]

A 75 won't be big enough for all those fish--it would barely be enough for just the oscars.

Diatom blooms are usually the result of too many nutrients in the water and an abundance of silicates. You can check you water source for silicates (call the utility), or use RO water for a few changes. This will limit the silicates available. If your utility reports low silicates, then your next option will be to increase the number and size of water changes, along with a reduction in feeding, to reduce the amount of nutrients in the water. None of the usual fish that consume diatoms will work in your tank--otos would become a pricy snack.

[Hunter2001]

I agree with OrionGirl, Otto's would definately take care of your problem, but I don't know how long they would last.