brown algae questions

richg315 · 06/29/2008, 08:15 PM

Two questions:

1. What causes the brown algae that just "showed Up" within the last 24 hours on my aquarium walls?

2. How do i get rid of it?

Thanks people

Rich

Mariner · 06/29/2008, 08:36 PM

The algae is probably diatoms (not a true algae, but we usually call it algae anyway

) You can clean it off the glass easily with a magnet algae cleaner such as a "magfloat." Here's a link to the magfloat site. You can buy them online or at pet stores.

You'll also notice diatoms and other algae growing in your tank on the rock and substrate. Most people use natural cleaners such as mini hermit crabs and various snails to keep that cleaned up.

Algae feeds off nutrients and waste in your tank and it needs light to grow. The less "dirty" your water is, the less algae you'll have.
HTH,
Mariner

joeychitwood · 06/29/2008, 10:59 PM

Is this a new tank? Diatoms (brown "algae") frequently appear early in the life cycle of a tank and resolve as the tank matures.

Flipper62 · 06/29/2008, 11:10 PM

YEP....In a new tank its diatoms....just part of the cycle. I just puff off the rocks with a turkey baster right before you do your water change. Then suck it up with the syphon. After 2 or 3 water changes it will be gone. Also a good CUC will help.

BUT...dont freak out...its just part of the cycle.....

richg315 · 06/30/2008, 12:48 PM

thanks all for your help...you guys are great!!!

Rich

06/29/2008, 08:15 PM	#1
richg315 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Central NY Posts: 180	brown algae questions Two questions: 1. What causes the brown algae that just "showed Up" within the last 24 hours on my aquarium walls? 2. How do i get rid of it? Thanks people Rich

06/29/2008, 08:36 PM	#2
Mariner Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: North Alabama Posts: 3,952	The algae is probably diatoms (not a true algae, but we usually call it algae anyway ) You can clean it off the glass easily with a magnet algae cleaner such as a "magfloat." Here's a link to the magfloat site. You can buy them online or at pet stores. You'll also notice diatoms and other algae growing in your tank on the rock and substrate. Most people use natural cleaners such as mini hermit crabs and various snails to keep that cleaned up. Algae feeds off nutrients and waste in your tank and it needs light to grow. The less "dirty" your water is, the less algae you'll have. HTH, Mariner __________________ DESIGN DEMANDS A DESIGNER. ~The perception is that perception is reality, but the reality is that it isn't. Current Tank Info: 75g mixed reef; 135g mixed reef

06/29/2008, 11:10 PM	#4
Flipper62 Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Naperville, Il. Business Owner, President & CEO Posts: 3,045	YEP....In a new tank its diatoms....just part of the cycle. I just puff off the rocks with a turkey baster right before you do your water change. Then suck it up with the syphon. After 2 or 3 water changes it will be gone. Also a good CUC will help. BUT...dont freak out...its just part of the cycle..... __________________ If todays automobile had followed the same development as the computer, A Rolls Royce would cost $100.00. It would get a million miles per gallon, but it would explode once a year killing everyone inside." Current Tanks... 90 gal Reef... My awesome Office BioCube....( 180 was on hold ..no time ) ... The 180 gal has been sold...Yay..yay..yay. Hobby Experience: 19 years Reef...22 years FW

06/29/2008, 10:59 PM	#3
joeychitwood Schrödinger's Mod Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 3,488	Is this a new tank? Diatoms (brown "algae") frequently appear early in the life cycle of a tank and resolve as the tank matures.

06/30/2008, 12:48 PM	#5
richg315 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Central NY Posts: 180	thanks all for your help...you guys are great!!! Rich