HUGE Brown algea problem.

[MrKickalot]

I have a 110 gallon tank with 2 pleco's and they can not keep up with the growth of brown algae? It's really frustrating me... it's starting to get on the plants making them look bad and getting in every little crack. How can I slow it down or eliminate it? I don't want it to get worse... I'm not against chemicals but would rather find a less harsh method. I'm already having to clean the glass every 3 days because I can see the algae on it. Any advice would help!!

Thanks!

Jason

[Abbeys_Mom]

Cause:

Excess silicates & nitrates
Inadequate light
Low oxygen levels Brown algae is a common occurrence in a newly set up aquarium. It is generally caused by too little light, an excess of silicates, an abundance of nutrients, and too little oxygen. Silicates can build up through tap water that is high in silicic acid, and silicates that leech from some types of substrates.

Cure:

Wipe off surfaces & vaccine gravel well
Use silicate adsorbing resin in the filter
Increase the lighting
Stock a Plecostomus or several Otocinclus This type of algae does not adhere strongly to the tank surfaces, and is easily wiped away. Vacuuming the gravel with a siphon will quickly remove coatings from the substrate. Increasing the lighting will inhibit regrowth of brown algae. As a new tank matures brown algae is often eliminated naturally by plants and green algae competing for nutrients.
Some suckermouth catfish will readily eat brown algae, most notably plecostomus and otocinclus. If the problem is due to high silicates in the water, and the brown algae persists, a special silicate absorbing resin can be used in the filter.

Prevention:

Use of RO(Reverse Osmosis) water
Regular water changes
Regular aquarium cleaning
Good lighting As with any algae, keeping the tank clean and performing regular water changes is one of the best preventative measures. Unfortunately it is still possible to get algae in spite of regular maintenance, especially in a newly established aquarium. Prompt attention to sudden algae growth will prevent more serious problems.

[TehTANK]

Great advice and Great post. I too have a problem with brown alge. It is causing problems in my tank as well. This is great advice though and this should help the problem.

Thanks for the great post!

[Abbeys_Mom]

No Problem. I have been fighting with brown algae for years. Just when you think it's gone it pops up again.

[jeffs99dime]

i would recommend a phosphate test kit. i can almost guarantee your phosphate levels are super high. i had the same problem awhile back. i use fluval's phosphate remover in my cannister filter. works like a charm. phosphates teamed with what abbeysmom posted will most definitely create mass quantities of brown algae.--jeff