I NEED HELP!

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

AngelicGreenTerror

Candiru
MFK Member
Sep 25, 2005
516
1
48
El paso, Texas
I am seriously worried about my 20g... There is some brown-fungus-like stuff surrounding one of my rocks in the tank.. And I don't want to lose my fish... What should I do to get rid of the of the fungus-like thing?
 
AngelicGreenTerror said:
I am seriously worried about my 20g... There is some brown-fungus-like stuff surrounding one of my rocks in the tank.. And I don't want to lose my fish... What should I do to get rid of the of the fungus-like thing?
Click to expand...
take the rock out exam. it
see what it is first!
;)
 
Other Names: Gravel algae, Silica algae

Color: Brown

Appearance: Begins as brown patches on the gravel and/or glass, then rapidly coats most surfaces of the aquarium with a thin, dark brown coating that is easily removed. Unlike blue-green/slime algae, it does not come off in large slimy sheets.

Cause: Excess silicates & nitrates
Inadequate light
Low oxygen levels Brown algae is a common occurrence in a newly set up aquarium. It is generally caused by too little light, an excess of silicates, an abundance of nutrients, and too little oxygen. Silicates can build up through tap water that is high in silicic acid, and silicates that leech from some types of substrates.

Cure:
# Wipe off surfaces & vaccine gravel well
# Use silicate adsorbing resin in the filter
# Increase the lighting
# Stock a plecostomus or several otocinclus This type of algae does not adhere strongly to the tank surfaces, and is easily wiped away. Vacuuming the gravel with a siphon will quickly remove coatings from the substrate. Increasing the lighting will inhibit regrowth of brown algae. As a new tank matures brown algae is often eliminated naturally by plants and green algae competing for nutrients.

Some suckermouth catfish will readily eat brown algae, most notably plecostomus and otocinclus. If the problem is due to high silicates in the water, and the brown algae persists, a special silicate absorbing resin can be used in the filter.

Prevention:
# Use of RO water
# Regular water changes
# Regular aquarium cleaning
# Good lighting As with any algae, keeping the tank clean and performing regular water changes is one of the best preventative measures. Unfortunately it is still possible to get algae in spite of regular maintenance, especially in a newly established aquarium. Prompt attention to sudden algae growth will prevent more serious problems.
Click to expand...

Hope that helps..
 
AngelicGreenTerror said:
I have a plecostomus.. He is doing nothing... My tank is not new, though.. I think it is the inedaquate light, as my lamp broke and the only light they get is when the sun rises... Should I get another pleco?
Click to expand...
Not for a 20 gallon, you will need to take the one you have out soon as well... light from sun will make the algae worse and the green algae will start growing. Perhaps you are over feeding, thus having extra nitrates.
 
AngelicGreenTerror said:
I have a plecostomus.. He is doing nothing... My tank is not new, though.. I think it is the inedaquate light, as my lamp broke and the only light they get is when the sun rises... Should I get another pleco?
Click to expand...
how long is it in the sun?
 
Vitaliy said:
Not for a 20 gallon, you will need to take the one you have out soon as well... light from sun will make the algae worse and the green algae will start growing. Perhaps you are over feeding, thus having extra nitrates.
Click to expand...

plecos are ****ty scavengers, so i feed mine like my other fish, these do love algae , just not brown, its gotta taste like ****.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom