Brown algae?

[Zastrus]

I've been noticing an outbreak of odd algae-looking stuff in my tank. It's a 10g with a 2 platys, 1 guppy, and 2 neons. It's growing on the side of the glass, and starting to spread to the rocks. I noticed it when I was cleaning the side and front 'walls' of the tank, so to speak. Then I sat down a few days later and looked, and from an angle you can see more. (Couldn't see it at first because we have a background wallpaper for the tank.. I'm not a bad owner, I swear :sad: )

Here are pictures:

On the glass:

Spreading to rocks:

Is this even algae?

 

[Mgamer20o0]

Forms in soft brown clumpy patches. In the freshwater aquarium, these are usually diatoms. Usually indicates a lack of light or an excess of silicates. Increased light levels will usually make it disappear. Easily removed by wiping the glass or siphon vacuuming the affected area.

http://www.plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=9

 

[Tinajo]

Are the presence of diatoms a problem? I usually clean it off once a week with my pwc's and gravel vac.

 

[Zastrus]

I usually leave the light on during the day, and turn it off before i head to sleep.

I'm guessing algae eaters don't like that stuff?

It seems to be spreading fast and is quickly moving onto the rocks...

What should I do? I'll take more pics.

 

[Zastrus]

A few more..

And the gravel is originally white, pretty bad huh?

Will vacuuming get rid of this stuff? And no fish eat it?

 

[SmallFishi]

Otocinclus may eat diatoms but I dont' think any other aglae eaters do, other than that I know nothing I hope it clears up for you.

 

[Zastrus]

Last bump for more help..

 

[CagIII]

I had a similar problem in my tank but the brown algae was on my decor. I just bought a timer and didnt leave the light on for more than 8 hours a day. After about a week it went away.

 

[Marinemom]

If this is a new tank then the brown algae is just a stage of algae thst the tank will go through while it matures. This is normal and will go away on its own if you leave it. Of course I know it is unsightly to you and I do believe that the otos will help clean this kind of algae up in the tank.

Marinemom

 

[BucJason]

Oto's absolutely love brown algae.