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I have a Brown algae outbreak. It keeps getting worse by the day. I need help ASAP. Should I go and get some algae killer?

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If it's diatomaceous algae (which brown algae usually is) then Otocinclus is your friend.


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

Algae killers kill more than algae. They may kill everything in your tank. Plus they only work for a short time and then the algae will be back. If this is a new tank then the brown algae is normal. Many new tanks go through a brown algae phase. Some worse than others. It usually clears up within a month but some tanks may take closer to 6months before it starts to go away. If it persists then you may need to increase water changes, lower the amount of light the tank is getting, and/or check your tap water for phosphates. There are silicate and phosphate absorbers out there. High levels of either one or especially both will cause excessive brown algae. Not ideal to run phosphate absorbers constantly but a far better idea than algae killers. A black out where you do not turn on the tank lights and cover the sides of the tank in something(construction paper, poster board, blankets, towels, sheets...) for a couple weeks can wipe out any stubborn algae but may only be a temporary measure if the original cause isn't fixed.

Otos would be a good option if you have a cycled stable tank with good water quality but persistent brown algae and don't want to use phosphate or silicate removers. They aren't really the hardiest of fish though and if the tank is newly setup definitely wouldn't be my first move. Brown algae also tends to just disapear after so many months and then you have hungry otos to feed.

I had alot of brown algea as well. I got it after treating my tank for ick. The algea is mostly on the sides of the tank. I wiped it off and it was easy to remove. It hasnt come back since. I think the meds I used made the algea grow. Not sure.

Ps.. Can someone tell me what an OTO is? Never heard of it.

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i only found out about them about 5 mounths ago dont feal bad but they are little helpers for an algea problam

33 gallon 7 neon tetras-5 platys-3 bleeding heart tetras-2 corys-1 rainbow shark-2 L83 gibby plecos

Hi...
I had a lot of brown algae after I added some new gravel to my 48 gal community tank.It was all over the decor,the glass,plants etc. I added 2 sailfin mollies & it was all gone almost overnight.

"if you're goin swimmin,watch out for the noahs"

Last night I transfered my CAE into the tank. No more Algae. I guess I panicked as I had not had this bad of an outbreak in a long while. Thanks for all the help guys.

mts.gif" border="0"> I vote do you?
My Tanks at Photobucket