DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
Tank Talk
HTML https://tanktalk.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
DIR Return to: Tank Set Up
*****************************************************
#Post#: 2446--------------------------------------------------
Brown Algae - diatoms
By: MontanaJosh Date: July 5, 2016, 9:26 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
I'm really hoping for help. Have asked before here and
elsewhere with no replies. I have a 75-gal tank with all
plastic plants. I have an Aqueon 75 and an Emperor 400; both
hang on back filters. Also have an under gravel filter. Fully
nitrogen cycled and levels look good. Problem is brown
algae/diatoms. I do a 25% water change every week and my light
is only on for 6hrs a day. Still every 2 weeks I have to take
action because the brown algae is out of control. Every 2-3
weeks I take all ornaments and plants out, scrub clean in the
sink, then soak in hot water with a little bleach. Still every
2-3 weeks its out of control again! Fish are happy and I
haven't lost one yet, but the brown algae is hideous! Please
help. If I can't figure it out, we'll probably have to get rid
of the tank.
#Post#: 2447--------------------------------------------------
Re: Brown Algae - diatoms
By: PaulMartin61 Date: July 7, 2016, 12:36 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Hi MontanaJosh,
Can I ask what type of substrate are you using?
By your description it appear you tank has been set up for a
while. Assuming this, I'm going to guess you have a low nitrogen
and high phosphate level.
If your using a sand/playground sand substrate you may have
increased silicate levels. (There are other things that can
increase silicate levels)
I'd start by adding some snails or an Otocinclus Catfish to help
control the outbreak.
I've had decent results with increasing my lighting time, or
perhaps more accurately the intensity of light.
There are a few products on the market that work great, like
Nualgi (
HTML https://nualgiaquarium.com/
HTML https://nualgiaquarium.com/).
Check out some of the video's on
YouTube for some of the success's using Nualgi.
Last thing.. don't get rid of the tank!!!!
Paul
#Post#: 2448--------------------------------------------------
Re: Brown Algae - diatoms
By: MontanaJosh Date: July 11, 2016, 12:17 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Thabk you for the response. Im opem to any help. Brown algae
is so bad now. Its embarrassing having what looka loke an
unflushed toilet in my living room. Wife HATES it! Ive been
given the ultimatum to get it looking good or get rid of it.
My substrate is tan gravel frim Petco. Tank has been set up and
cycled for about 6 months. I am going to take everything out
and scrub then bleach plants again, and rum my gravel cleaning
tube, do a 50% water change and change filters. I'll do all
that tonight. I'll try to find one of those catfish and
snails. I'll also order some Nualgi.
Interesting that you increased light. Most of what Ive seen
advised to reduce light, so I haven't turned my light on once in
over a week. All very confusing.
I REALLY appreciate the help! Thank you. I'll give an update.
Any additional insight or advice is still very appreciated!
#Post#: 2453--------------------------------------------------
Re: Brown Algae - diatoms
By: MontanaJosh Date: August 1, 2016, 8:47 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Doing 30% water changes every 2 days. Adding Nualgi each time.
Cleaning gravel every other water change. Still, brown Algae on
everything. I'm spending more time on this aquarium than with
my kids. Between that and the gripping from my wife about the
tank of brown crud in the living room, I think I'm fed up. The
petco people had no clue about the catfish. They're the only
petstore my town has. I thjnk it's just time to give the works
away. Too bad there isn't a way to keep that brown crud from
growing so fast. Thanks for all the advice, but after pouring a
ton of $ and time into this thing with zero result, I'm out.
Now I know why a dog is an easier pet... LOL!
*****************************************************