Brown Algae On Glass

by Markamous Thu Mar 10, 2016 8:41 am

Hello,

I am having brown algae form 2 days after i scrub it off with a magnetic scrubber.
I have had a 20 G tank for years with no problems maintaining.
I was allways told the bigger the tank with a good canister filter the less maint.

The brown algae problem I am having is in my 3 month old Fluval 1200 profile aquarium (85 Gal) c/w a Fluval 406, ornaments with no live plants.
- 3 Cory cats
- 5 Neons
- 2 Dwarf Gourami
- 5 Black Phantom Tetras
- 2 Mollys
All healthy and active, with water testing good.
I have done water changes, leaving lights on for only 6 hrs a day now from 12, tank is in basement with no sunlight.

The way this is forming, if I left it for 3 weeks the walls would be plastered.
Please help

by Fishypastor Thu Mar 10, 2016 9:49 pm

What do your water changes look like? How much and how often? Lots of questions can be asked but this is a good place to start.

by **CAAIndie** Fri Mar 11, 2016 11:37 am

I would also wonder about the flow of the tank. I found that brown algae formed in areas in my tank that did not have good circulation.

by Markamous Sat Mar 12, 2016 8:07 am

This morning looking at tank after I have had lights off for 4 days straight, seems to have slowed down the growth significantly. This was experimental only, tank is in basement (I need to be able to have lights on)

I have done 25% water changes twice in the last 3 weeks.
Fishypastor I got to give a shout out (GO RIDERS!)

I also wondered about water flow...
2 weeks ago I bought a airstone to help.
My Intake and output for the 406 are built into the bottom of the tank close together in the corner of tank. Intake about 6" above rocks and output is right beside but approx. 12" above. I'm considering putting in a power head at the other end of tank?

by Repteel Sat Mar 12, 2016 10:50 am

Maybe look up diatom algae and see if it looks similar. I have had it once or twice but not very badly. Also it seems more likely to happen to newer tanks.

by **CAAIndie** Mon Mar 14, 2016 11:17 pm

If it is related to flow, a powerhead might work for you, as long as all your occupants are okay with the flow.

by Markamous Mon Mar 14, 2016 11:37 pm

Thank you everyone,
Definitely diatom algae, and yes I'm leaning towards water movement. It is a deep tank that needs a little more than just the 406 I guess. I will pick up a power head this coming weekend. Any suggestions on positioning?

by Suprd71 Wed Mar 16, 2016 9:17 am

Instead of a powerhead I would add an Aquaclear 110 filter. You could also consider a Bristlenose pleco. Only plec I know of that will mow down brown algae, stays small, limited bioload.