Water testing

[Cichlid Guy]

Hi,

I have been fighting issues with brown algae in my 55 g tank.Someone suggested I check my "phosphates". Can I buy a test that will do this? What kind of reading should I get? Are water changes my only option if they are too high?

Thanks

 

[RTR]

Contact your utility to see if your water is high in silicates. Brown algae is usually diatoms, and is persistent in water high in silicates. There is no hobby kit for silicates.