Ugly Brown Algae

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Esoter1c

AC Members
Dec 26, 2006
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Hey everyone,
about a week ago I started noticing this algae starting to grow.
Now its gotten pretty ugly and is covering my rocks, fake plants, glass, skull, yeah pretty much everything.
Anyways this is what it looks like, sorry for the crappy pics but they are from my phone.
Can anyone tell me what causes this algae, how to treat this kind of algae, what kind of fish would eat it?
My ammonia is in check, but I know I have some nitrites, temp is at 77F.
Thanks!
Esoter1c

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Looks like diatoms to me. It is very common to have this happen in newly set up tanks. It is caused from silicates in the aquarium glass that leach out into the water. Even if you do nothing about it,it will go away on its own. Eventually it will be less prevelent and should stop but you may see this stuff forming for 2-8 weeks. Otos like to eat this stuff but keep in mind once the brown stuff is gone you will have to suppliment thier diet with algae wafer and fresh veggies or they will starve to death. In the meantime you can manually remove it. It comes off very easily. This is just one of the phases that your tank will go through as it matures and becomes more seasoned. Until then just enjoy your fish.

Marinemom
 
Ah ok, the tank has been setup for 2 months now, but only has had fish in it for about 3 weeks. The time previous it was fishless cycling. I wouldn't mind getting an oto but I suspect because I am having a little bit of trouble with nitrites that an oto wouldn't last very long in my tank, correct? (I already have algae wafers to supplement his diet too, I bought them reading that gouramis should have some algae in their diet but he wont accept them, so right now theyre pretty useless to me.)

Oh and no it isn't in direct sunlight.
 
I wouldn't put anything in the tank if there is nitrites in the water. Wait until the ammonia and the nitrites are sitting at 0 and staying there. If you do decide on ottos it is better to keep them in groups of three or more since they prefer to be in groups and will play better togather that way.

Marinemom
 
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