Brown/green algae

[FSM]

I have some problems with algae in my 75 gallon tank. There is brown algae (is it really algae?) and also green algae.

The brown stuff grows on the sides of the tank, mostly the back because the rest is easy to remove with my magnet thing. Is this indicative of poor water quality? Too much light? I do 25-50% weekly water changes, and the fish are all small. (4 inch GT, 6 2-2.5 inch clown loaches, 5 giant danios) Nitrates are always less than 5. There is a duel 40W fixture that is on for about 8 hours a day. Is there any way to keep this stuff from growing, or any fish that will control it? or will I just have to remove it manually?

There is also green algae that grows on the sand. I regularly stir up the sand to get rid of it. Is there any way to keep it from coming back? I think I might siphon it out during water changes, and add back clean sand.

The tank has only been set up for a few months, would that have anything to do with it?

Also, filtration is a fluval 404 and a sump.

 

[oOMO3NOo]

the planted section maybe of more help. but brown algea is usually diatoms (not sure if thats spelled right) but it come usually from new tanks or sand. and green algea is usually always present in planted tanks so im not sure about that one. im no expert on this stuff because i just started my planted tank but hopefully someone else can corect me if im wrong. but fish that help most algea is otos that wont kill your plants (if you have plants)

if you could get a mod to move to the planted section you may have better luck.

 

[Fishermoe14]

if your on a timer set a 1 hour break in the middle where the lights are off.. i dont know what it does but it helps control the algae in the tank alot better..

and of course there is the suggestion of adding bristle nose plecos to the tank

 

[OnceLoyal]

UV sterilizer helps !!!!!!! with some plecos!

 

[FSM]

UV sterilizer only works for free-floating algae. It doesn't do anything to get rid of the algae growing on surfaces.