I have brown algae and.......

[harvey]

I know from what I have read on here that I probably need a better light source. The bulbs just say 'natural light'. I went from having the lights on most of the day til bedtime to only using it for 6-8hours a day.

Since my pleco has gone, I have been having brown algae and I was wondering about the Algae Control by Tetra. Has anyone used it? Thanks for the advice

[Incredulous_Ed]

Is it on the sides of the tank or on the decor or both? If it is only on the side, I would just wipe it off, as it comes off easily.

It's best to elimate the cause of the algae rather than using chemical products to destroy it. If you can, get higher watt bulbs, or get a new light fixture that can hold more or higher powered bulbs.

[harvey]

thanks Ed. That is what I was wondering. It is just on the sides. I scraped it off today when I was doing a water change. What size bulbs do I need to get? It is a 55 gal.

[cocoa_pleco]

you should have at least 110w, for a high light planted tank 300w

[Incredulous_Ed]

How many watts of what type of lighting do you have on there now?

[dishmando]

I agree with Ed on this one, if u can take care of the source, or deal with your issue naturally, the better off you are.(and your fish!)
When i realized i had a brown algae issue, i bought a pleco. It died soon after, so i bought another, and it also died.(i think it was a bad batch at my LFS)
Anyhow, my cure to this day has been my golden algae eater. AWESOME brown algae eating machine! He has grown so big in 6 months its unbelievable. From half the size of your pinky finger, to a lumpy 5 inches easy now!
To this day, i have never had an issue with algae(green or brown). Its amazing how clean the driftwood, plants, and gravel remain. He loves it after i do a gravel siphon..... he scatters around sucking every pebble!......

Good luck!