Brown Algae

[Bigtdotcom]

The bgk won't be able to handle the salt or the heat?

 

[Yohanon]

hi guys im having a problem with a type of brown algae in my tank. Tank has been running for about 4 months and is cycled no ammo or nitrite....nitarte never about 20, usually around 10. the brown algae is mostly on the back of the tank and on the fake plants and driftwood. I have been removing the plants and cleaning them and leaving them out in the sun but the algae returns in a a week or 2. Can anyone recommend how i can rid my tank from this algae? is there any fish that will eat it? My stock constis of a few american cichlid juveniles, clown loaches, ghost knife and L333 pleco. Most days the lights are on for 6-8 hour but on my days of could be on for 12 or more. The tank is in my garage and and it is generally pretty dim in there. I have just got my driftwood seet up nice and really hoping i dont have to pull the whole tank apart.
Thanks

Brown algae is typically diatoms. I had issues with it a couple of months ago after my tank finished cycling. It can be frustrating. As diatoms thrive on silicates and phosphates, I added a third stage to the mechanical section of my sump and installed a phosphate filter pad. When I do water changes, I run the tap water through a filter. I also added a UV sterilizer, some otos, a bristlenose pleco, and some nerite snails. The tank is heavily planted and looking good now.

 

[Chockful O Phail]

The bgk won't be able to handle the salt or the heat?

I didn't say that. BGK is a scaleless fish so you want to half dose the salt just as you would for any other med. as far as the heat, the higher the heat the less dissolved O2. Add air and raise the heat gradually (2 degrees/hour is good). 84-86 for 2 weeks and then gradually cool down and you should be rid of it.

Take the lesson and prevent this occurring by quarantining new fish for 30 days or so. 40 breeder, an hob like an ac70, a heater and an air pump with stone is all you need. Very minimal to no decor a couple different sizes of pvc pipes to help new fish feel somewhat comfortable at max.

 

[Bigtdotcom]

sorry chockful o phail i must have mis-read your last comment.....One of the filter outputs and a powerheard are both disturbing the tanks surface and i have been keeping a close eye to make sure fish arnt breathing heavy or showing any sign of distress.