Filter output above or below waterline?

**jeffs99dime** · 10-08-2012, 02:33 PM

Brown algae is caused by excess silicates, high nitrates, low o2 and lighting conditions, all of these issues can be remedied ,however. It sounds to me like yours came from nitrates and lack of oxygen, maybe silicates depending on your water supply/ substrate type or both.

**fishmommie** · 10-08-2012, 05:49 PM

Originally Posted by Santiago

Yeah after a bout with brown beard algae I stripped down the tank and really did not give it the care it needed. Thanks again for all the advice.

Wish you much luck in reestablishing your tank. Darn bad luck when you do something for all the right reasons but end up with the wrong result because of one critical error

**Santiago** · 10-08-2012, 09:00 PM

Originally Posted by jeffs99dime

Brown algae is caused by excess silicates, high nitrates, low o2 and lighting conditions, all of these issues can be remedied ,however. It sounds to me like yours came from nitrates and lack of oxygen, maybe silicates depending on your water supply/ substrate type or both.

Please tell me more about silicates do I need more or less of them? Where does is come from. All the stone work is slate and I'm using the eco substarate. I get that algae thrives in light but so do my plants. I a have all kinds of snails in the tank but had to replace the Siamese algae eaters. I'd get a pleco but I had to return one because it scared my wife. Thanks!

**Santiago** · 10-08-2012, 09:01 PM

Originally Posted by fishmommie

Wish you much luck in reestablishing your tank. Darn bad luck when you do something for all the right reasons but end up with the wrong result because of one critical error

Yeah thanks, I thought after 3 years I'd stop making rookie mistakes. I guess not.. Again live and learn.

**fishmommie** · 10-09-2012, 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by Santiago

Please tell me more about silicates do I need more or less of them? Where does is come from. All the stone work is slate and I'm using the eco substarate. I get that algae thrives in light but so do my plants. I a have all kinds of snails in the tank but had to replace the Siamese algae eaters. I'd get a pleco but I had to return one because it scared my wife. Thanks!

Sorry you haven't received any responses to your question on silicates. I don't have a planted tank ... so I can't help. I'd suggest starting a new thread in the general FW forum with your questions about planted tanks and silicates. Someone will help! Good luck.

**Rocksor** · 10-09-2012, 03:31 PM

Pool filter sand contains quite a bit of silicates.

**Santiago** · 10-10-2012, 12:14 AM

The Eheim filter is rated for I think 90g and the tank is 46g. No sand involved just ceramic pellets.

**Lady Hobbs** · 10-10-2012, 01:44 AM

Silicates are minerals. Diatoms are completely normal in newer tanks and it comes from silicates, phosphates and higher nitrates like Jeff said. Once the tank has been set up a bit and these nutrients balance out, the diatoms will go away.

I have naturally higher phosphates in my tap water and if I try to use sand in my tanks (silicates) I really have a problem with diatoms and have to use a silicate/phosphate sponge in my filter. Phosphates also come in fish food.

You do not have to have plants to have silicates. An imbalance of nutrients can come from a tank with no plants at all.