Brown algae; phosphates and silicates?

[crb1701]

I have a 15 gallon tank with live plants, and natural sunlight lighting switched on 8 hours a day. The only algae accumulation I've noticed in the tank is brown algae. Easy to clean up, but within a week it starts developing again.

Are phosphates and silicates the real problem? I've noticed a lot of people here say water changes are the answer, but the tap water I put in has silicates, and perhaps some phosphates, too. If phosphates/silicates are the problem, water changes won't help.

What do you guys and gals think? Has anyone used a phosphate/silicate removing resin? Does it work? Are there shrimp or other creatures who eat brown algae?

Thanks,

Curt

[siymdapolio]

do know to much about the phospates and silicates adding to the problem will have to read up on that.

BUT

I had these old plants that came with my craigslist setup and I put them in without washing them lol and it had brown stuff all over it and i looked closer and it was brown algae....
so my bristlenose started doing his thing and munched it down and my fake plants are super clean now lol... i didnt do the work he did

[crb1701]

The bristlenose, huh? I should mention, too, my tank is coldwater (minnows) and water temp averages 68 degrees F. A lot of the tropical algae feeders may not appreciate it.

[siymdapolio]

oh sorry about that.... bristlenose would be pi$$ed! I am sure someone will drop in and help you out good luck :Thumb:!

[Lady Hobbs]

I have and it works great. Without it my phosphates would be at 2 all the time and is a huge contributor of brown algae. The phosphate sponge drops it to .50 which is fine for plants in the tank, too.

Having an algae problem now due to the same thing and also will be buying more sponges.

You mentioned "natural" sunlight. I hope you mean tank lights and no sun from outside is hitting the tank?

[crb1701]

Yes, tank lights.

Lady, you mentioned "you have and it works great." Are you talking about bristlenoses, water changes, or phosphate/silicate collecting resins?

The sponges you're talking about, are these the phosphorus collecting ones? Do they work, and how ofter do you have to replace them?