Controlling algae in a planted tank?

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weegotfish

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 31, 2008
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I have a 30 gallon freshwater tank that is densely planted. Recently I have noticed that brown algae has been rapidly growing all over my plants and the glass. I have no idea what caused the sudden growth as my tank has been running for about 6 months. Any ideas?

Also, how can I limit the growth of algae without limiting the growth of my plants? It seems like anything that can be done to reduce the algae will somehow have a negative effect on my plants as well.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
 
If you really have brown algae (diatom algae) there are a couple of different things to consider. How long has your tank been set up and running? When I first set up my tanks I had a few outbreaks of this initially but then never again. Have you added any new substrate to your tank or anything or changed your lighting? Silicates often contribute to brown algae and the diatoms will keep coming back until they are reduced to lower levels.
 
Brown algae is caused by either high silicate levels, or inadequate lighting. In a planted tank, you can easily just get more intense lighting to help get it under control, however, this will lead to other types of algae. Standard green algae will always be present in a planted aquarium, the parameters that should be kept for plants, and green algae are the same. If you phosphates or nitrates are high, expect to see thread, beard/brush, or even cyanobacteria.
 
This is by no means a solution to preventing the algae, but IME ramshorn snails usually do an excellent job of eating brown algae.
 
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