FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Okay, newly cycled aquarium, rejoice! But I'm cleaning it now and noticing a bit of brown algae, especially creating a light film on the glass. Any ideas of what to do?

It's entirely normal in newly set up tanks, Rachel.

IME the best thing you can do is scrape it off and call it good... keep doing it as long as it keeps coming back.

I believe brown algae is a type of diatomic algae, or something like that... not sure if it's technically classified as an algae, but whatever works, I suppose

Good luck

Hi ,

I have the same problem in my fish tank, but I think my problem is a bit worse than yours. . .I have brown algae all over the glass, the gravel, and the fake plants/decorations and it is so frustrating. . .a while ago I literally tore down the tank and replaced the decorations, plants and gravel, and cleaned everything inside out, and within a week it was back, and worse! So now I am considering buying a battery operated gravel vac thingy to clean the gravel (hoping it works ) and another ten gallon tank in the hopes of getting rid of it. . .as chemicals had no effect on the algae and only served to kill two of my fish. So yeah, hope everything works out for you, and good luck, and if anyone has any help to offer on my fish tank it would be very much appreciated

Fish are like potato chips. . .you can't have just one

Hi,
"Brown Algae" is actually an outbreak of diatoms. These
critters have skeleton of silica (SiO2) and are the result
of a combination of things. High levels of silica in the
water will cause the bloom. These high levels can come from
a new tank with new gravel, or a tank that has not had
proper water changes and gravel vacuuming. The latter is
caused by high levels of nutrients in the water. Lastly,
it can sometimes be caused by the tap water we use as it
can carry high levels of silica in it. A check with your
water company can eliminate that as a cause. Most will
respond with a chart showing the chemistries of the water
that they provide you through the tap. A simple email to
them, or checking their website will answer that question.

Here is a site that talks about "brown algae:"
http://www.reefs.org/library/aquarium_net/996/996_2.html

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Buying a new tank will do you no good. You have to leave the tank setup until the diatoms use up the excesses in the tank and water. That can take 6months to a year in some cases. Every time you redo the tank it will go through it again. If it continues to get really bad after 6months it could be caused by silicates and/or phosphates in your water along with low lighting conditions on the tank. You can buy silicate removers and increasing the lighting will at least get rid of the brown for green algae. Not that green algae is that much of an improvement.

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I think I'll just continue with vacuuming and doing regular water changes. Things are going well for my tank. :-D