Brown alge

dal

dal

AC Members
Mar 7, 2012
54
0
0
london
Real Name
darren
Hi guys I've had my tank set up 29g for a year and in the last month or so brown algae is taking over on rocks and plants I've put lights on for a shorter time but still no better. could it be my light or do u know of any other ways to solve this this is driving me mad.been checking water levels and all are ok .any help pls.

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Hope this helps

-- Hope this helps :goldfish:

When you set up a new aquarium it has to cycle, either with fish or without fish and using pure ammonia instead. I'm guessing you used fish without even knowing it...
anyway, the cycling it basically building up bacteria that breaks down the ammonia fish produce into less toxic stuff... so the for a while the ammonia will be really high. then once there is enough bacteria to break down the ammonia into nitrite the ammonia will start to go down and the nitrite will spike. after a while the nitrite will start to go down and the nitrate will spike... this is as far down as it goes. YOU need to do water changes to remove the nitrate. you should really be doing 25% water changes once a week using a gravel siphon.

now, why am I telling you this? high nitrate is a big cause of brown algae... so basically you're not doing enough water changes. test your nitrate (pet stores will do this for free, but you really should have your own kit). your nitrate should be under 40ppm. always. a 25% water change every day until it's lower than 40ppm, then start doing a 25% water change once a week.

Credits to Kylie Anne


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Other Names: Gravel algae, Silica algae
Color: Brown
Appearance
Brown algae begins as brown patches on the gravel and/or glass, then rapidly coats most surfaces of the aquarium with a thin, dark brown coating that is easily removed. Unlike blue-green/slime algae, it does not come off in large slimy sheets.
Cause
  • Excess silicates & nitrates
  • Inadequate light
  • Low oxygen levels
Brown algae is a common occurrence in a newly set up aquarium. It is generally caused by too little light, an excess of silicates, an abundance of nutrients, and too little oxygen. Silicates can build up through tap water that is high in silicic acid, and silicates that leech from some types of substrates.
Cure
  • Wipe off surfaces & vacuum gravel well
  • Use silicate adsorbing resin in the filter
  • Increase the lighting
  • Stock a plecostomus or several otocinclus
This type of algae does not adhere strongly to the tank surfaces, and is easily wiped away. Vacuuming the gravel with a siphon will quickly remove coatings from the substrate. Increasing the lighting will inhibit re-growth of brown algae. As a new tank matures brown algae is often eliminated naturally by plants and green algae competing for nutrients.
Some sucker-mouth catfish will readily eat brown algae, most notably plecostomus and otocinclus. If the problem is due to high silicates in the water, and the brown algae persists, a special silicate absorbing resin can be used in the filter.
Prevention
  • Use of RO water
  • Regular water changes
  • Regular aquarium cleaning
  • Good lighting
As with any algae, keeping the tank clean and performing regular water changes is one of the best preventative measures. Unfortunately it is still possible to get algae in spite of regular maintenance, especially in a newly established aquarium. Prompt attention to sudden algae growth will prevent more serious problems.
 
Thanks for advice aqua but my waters fine and I do 30% wc every week check water monthly and nitrates have always been around 20 maybe ill try light on for longer ido have three ottos in there to clean up but its to much for these guys. And ill try sillacate absorbing resin.

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I had this problem in 2005. i know my maintenance was poor, so that could have caused it, but neither my oto or rubberlip would touch the stuff.
 
Nothing new added and my tank has gravel could be oxygen issue gonner add another bubble stone tomorrow.thanks for replying.

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Hi just purchased some fluval clearmax phosphate remover and don't know if I should put it I my bottom media tray or top one any advice pls .

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I've got a fluval 206 media sponge bottom tray ..bio ball middle and polishing sponge on top.anyone!

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Hello anyone alive

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