Brown algae?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
S

slick Nic the Ruls

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 14, 2011
31
0
0
Omaha
My tank has some brown algae in it and Ive never seen that color. I was wondering why my tank hadnt grown any of the green yet. So, I took some green from my other tank and put it in, but now the green and brown seem to both be speckling the tank like they are going to compete for ground. Is this brown stuff actually algae or is it some kind of mold or fungus?
 
It probably is brown algae which is caused by too little light or oxygen levels. Increasing the intensity your light would result in green algae which will replace the brown algae.
 
Brown "algae" is actually tiny creatures called diatoms. They are common in new tank setups. They usually go away as tanks mature. Many algae eating species will also feed on diatoms. Oto cats are notorious for going after diatoms
 
Do you have sand as a substrate? I did on my new tank and had a pretty bad case of brown algae. I tried Oto's with no real success at getting rid of the algae. I picked up a Bushy Nosed Pleco and he has cured the problem.
 
@ aclockworkorange, Yes I put green algae in on purpose. I know some people dont like it, but it increases oxygen and helps clean the water. I'm sure the fish are most comfortable with a little algae since it is everywhere they are in nature. I also needed something for my snails and algae eater to eat. Thanx for the good advice guys. Ive already increased the light, and to a better spectrum, so Hopefully the brown will go away. it just looks yucky.
 
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