Brown Stains on Plants and Glass

[andymap]

What's going on? I've just noticed that I have brown stains on my large leafed plants and brown spots have appeared on my tank glass. It's also all ove the top surface of my rock (Tuffa).

The water tests ok and the fish seem happy. The stains clean off the plant leaves and glass with a gentle rub.

Should I be worried?

[robflanker]

What's going on? I've just noticed that I have brown stains on my large leafed plants and brown spots have appeared on my tank glass. It's also all ove the top surface of my rock (Tuffa).

The water tests ok and the fish seem happy. The stains clean off the plant leaves and glass with a gentle rub.

Should I be worried?

Algae, my friend, Algae

[thatcichlidguy]

Diatom algea , usually goes away on its own. Bristle nose plecos will eat it up quickly, and are one of the few fish that will even mess with it. Or just keep it cleaned of untill it subsides on its own. Very common with newly setup tanks.

[Dave66]

Diatoms, which is a kind of algae in a shell. It's the first that shows up in new tanks. Just be patient; as soon as the diatoms use up the silicates in the water, they'll fade away. Don't worry about it.

As you've discovered, they are easily removed from the glass. Scrape them off if they bug you. Otocinclus will happily eat diatoms, but they'd eliminate it all very quickly, then starve to death if not properly fed.

Dave

[andymap]

Thanks Guys

Got some Siamese Flying Foxes yesterday and they already seem to be munching away. Fingers crossed!thumbs2:

[Lady Hobbs]

Paper towel wipes it right off.