Bacteria Colonies

[Flex26]

I am noticing some brown splotches accumulating on some of my decorations. Could this be bacteria colonies? Or is this algae? Can you even see bacteria at all?

 

[Managuense]

it sounds like you have some "brown" algae, which is actually a diatom. i have more of this stuff than i know what to do with.
M

 

[shimpboat]

Definately brown algea. I just tried some AlgeaFix in my 29gal. Check your nitrates also. High nitrates will cause algea growth. I will let you know how the AlgeaFix works.
Michelle

 

[Flex26]

Originally posted by shimpboat
Check your nitrates also. High nitrates will cause algea growth. I will let you know how the AlgeaFix works.
Michelle

Nitrates are like 10 or 20. My tank is still cycling w/fish so I have been doing water changes. Maybe that's why nitrates are low.

Are there any other ways to get rid of it? Just scrape it off? An algae eater?

 

[shimpboat]

My nitrates are in the 5-10 range and I have some brown algea. I also like to keep the light on so I can see the fish I have worked sooooo hard on. Is the brown algea in the cichlid tank? If so, my lfs informed me that the cichlids would either eat or kill an algea eater. Let me know, ok?
Michelle

 

[Flex26]

Originally posted by shimpboat
Is the brown algea in the cichlid tank? If so, my lfs informed me that the cichlids would either eat or kill an algea eater. Let me know, ok?
Michelle

The algae is in the 20gal tank. I just have danios and one rosy red in there. I keep my light on for extended periods of time, too. Maybe I'll start turning off the light sooner....

 

[RedTurquoise]

Brown algae is one of the easier algaes to combat. Otos eat it and its easy to remove also. Brown algae is usually found in low light tanks. I would just get some otos (1 per 10G).

HOw long is the extended periods of time? If you do not have live plants, I would just have the lights on when you are at home or something. In my discus tanks, I only have the lights come on at 3pm and off at 11pm instead of on in the morning some time. Shorter light periods will help keep algae from rapidly growing.

 

[Flex26]

Originally posted by RedTurquoise


HOw long is the extended periods of time?

I'm guessing about 10-12 hours. I turn it on at 6AM and sometimes I won't turn it off until 8 or 9pm. (That's more than 12 hours!)

I guess I'll start leaving it off until I get home from work.

Thanks for the input everyone.

 

[GDH]

You say your tank is still cycling, brown algae is fairly common in new aquariums. It should easily wipe off.

 

[Scrumpy]

I still get diatoms in my tank after a year....I don't really have enough light, but all the fishkeepers I know get the stuff. After I clean the glass, I use a washing up brush I keep for the purpose to get the worst of hardware....and I take things out from time to time and give them a good scrub.

 

[Scrumpy]

I still get diatoms in my tank after a year....I don't really have enough light, but all the fishkeepers I know get the stuff. After I clean the glass, I use a washing up brush I keep for the purpose to get the worst of hardware....and I take things out from time to time and give them a good scrub.

 

[Somonas]

Small bristlenose plecos seem to eat this stuff in my tanks..

 

[Fishman_2000]

Your bristlenose actually comes out into the open? Mine is about 2 or 3 inches and all it does is stay hidden in the castle. If I get up early in the morning I might sometimes catch a glimpse.

 

[Somonas]

well in the barebottom empty tanks they have no choice.
in the other tanks I see them occasionally. mostly under a rock or behind a filter tube by day.

 

[Fishman_2000]

I did a major cleaning on my main tank today and pulled the castle out and the bristle never even tried to jump out but when i put it back in the water it moved around and came out a little bit. I just worry about it getting up in there and dieing on me for whatever reason! They need a piece of driftwood to knaw on don't they?