Author Topic: Brown Algae - diatoms  (Read 169 times)

Offline MontanaJosh

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Brown Algae - diatoms
« on: July 05, 2016, 09:26:26 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.

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Offline PaulMartin61

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Re: Brown Algae - diatoms
« Reply #1 on: July 07, 2016, 12:36:14 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 (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

Offline MontanaJosh

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Re: Brown Algae - diatoms
« Reply #2 on: July 11, 2016, 12:17:34 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!

Offline MontanaJosh

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Re: Brown Algae - diatoms
« Reply #3 on: August 01, 2016, 08:47:36 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!
« Last Edit: August 01, 2016, 08:49:13 pm by MontanaJosh »

 

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