Brown algae

[Rapunzelle]

Hi, Can someone tell me what causes brown algae (or red algae as some call it, however it looks brown to me ), and if possible, how to avoid it and/or fight it?

In my previous tank I had all kinds of troubles with algae even though it didn't have more light than normal or anything else that stuck out for that matter. My mother's tank did not have that problem, never did. Now my small tank at the office is crystal clear, no sign of brown algae whatsoever (it is so beautiful). So before I start again with a large tank at my home, I would like to know why some tanks have it, some tanks don't. (Same conditions - lighting, water, etc.)

tks

 

[OrionGirl]

Brown algae isn't really an algae, it is a collection of diatoms. They have 2 needs--nutrients, and silica in the water. These little critters are actually chomping down on the nutrients in your tank, sucking up the silicates to form their shells, and form the fluffy looking brown scum. Most tanks will go through a minor diatom bloom when initially setup. This burns out within a few weeks and usually doesn't reoccur.

So called red algae is another misnomer--it's actually a cyano-bacteria, also thriving on lots of dissolved nutrients.
Cyanos are often introduced with plants or decorations from other tanks, and spread quickly. They aren't harmful, and starving them out is usually the best treatment. This means reduced feedings for fish, and larger water changes, or the introduction of competing flora.

For the 'real' algaes, they need enough nutrients, light, and CO2. The light also must be the right color--anything with little to no red spectrum light will reduce algae, or at least, not encourage it's growth. In an unplanted tank, this is an easy mechanism of control. With plants, the best means is to control ferts in the water column, and promote the growth of the plants.

 

[ChilDawg]

I believe what you are talking about is diatoms. Those are caused by low-light conditions, and more light will help eliminate them. Also, Otos are supposed to do a credible job of snacking on diatoms. Hope this helps.

~Matthew

 

[Rapunzelle]

must be diatoms

Yes you're right, they must have been diatoms. It was like all my stuff was brown: rocks, ornaments, substrate, EVERYTHING! And it never went away no matter what I did. That was about 2 years ago when I had my 55g. Now as I said earlier, I have a 10g at work, it is wonderfully crystal clear, none of that stuff whatsoever. One of my friends currently has a 77g, full of that brown gunk. I'm just curious as to why some have it and some don't!! I would just like to make sure that when we move into our new house & I set up a new tank, that I don't get that problem again, so I don't know if there is a way to prevent it from happening.. thanks

 

[OrionGirl]

If it is an ongoing problem, there are fish that will happily graze it away for you. Check your water for silicate levels (should be failry low). If they are high, you can try filtering water, or providing plants to compete for the nutrients. If you introduce the micro fauna from your current clear tank, they should help keep all the micro flora in check. I have several planted tanks, and have never seen diatoms, though I do have a few small patches of algae. I never worry much about them.