Brown Algae

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SomethingFishy

Large Fish
#1
Nov 5, 2002
260
0
0
54
Auburn, CA
#1
I have returned to this hobby for almost 3 months now after a 10+ year hiatus and now I have yet another question . . .

I am not a purist . . . I apologize to all those "Planted Tanks fanatics" but I have the good old fashioned tried and true plastic plant decor. :rolleyes:

So now on to the question and as you can guess from the title . . . I have brown algae. It seems to really like growing on the plastic plants. Any idea why this is and how to avoid and/or cure this unsightly problem? My first thought is to reduce the lighting time. I hope it is only that simple :)

Sugestions??
 

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Wonderwoman

Large Fish
#2
Oct 22, 2002
166
0
0
san diego, ca
#2
actually, you would have to increase lighting time to get rid of brown algae. it usually thrives in low-light conditions.

if i were you though, i'd get ottos. they're awfully cute, and you wouldn't believe what a good job they do (and fast~!) i'm not sure how much algae you could "maintain" for them though? i've never had a plastic-plants only tank :p

i guess increasing your lighting would be your first step :)
 

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SomethingFishy

Large Fish
#4
Nov 5, 2002
260
0
0
54
Auburn, CA
#4
How can I increase lighting? The light fixture only has one clip for the flourescent bulb. I would like to get a larger one with two clips but cannot find one. I would like to get a nice hood with a reflector but guess what . . . cannot find one at the LFS.

Also if I just got another light strip where to put it? The only open space over clear glass is already used by the one I got. I suppose I could get an all glass tank cover and then place another stip over the hinged opening???

Regarding the Ottos . . . once they eat all the brow algae (assuming that they will) what to feed them . . . sinking algae wafers?

Comments and Suggestions are welcome :)
 

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mpg

Medium Fish
#5
Oct 22, 2002
94
0
0
new york, ny
www.andersonarch.com
#5
i had a brown algea problem in a 10 gallon. got two ottos, they devoured it in all in 2 days. then i did have a problem feeding them. they ate wafers, and some green algea in the tank. but they were never as happy as that first day when they were dropped into a brown algea smorgasboard.

sadly the last one died last week, probably due to fluctuating pH levels. ottos have a reputation for being sensitive to water quality.

if you are going to get a couple ottos, don't scrape the algea off the glass for a couple weeks. you should leave them a lot to eat for their first day home.
 

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Wonderwoman

Large Fish
#7
Oct 22, 2002
166
0
0
san diego, ca
#7
ottos will eat all the algae, but then will continue to eat algae before you even see it. it's pretty rare for an otto to starve to death, per se. but as mpg says, they will also eat algae wafers. there are those out there who never feed their ottos, and have no problem at all.

getting a few ottos would definitely be simpler and cheaper than trying to work with getting new strips, canopies, etc. besides, they're kinda cute~!
 

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colesea

Superstar Fish
#9
Oct 22, 2002
1,612
0
0
NY USA
#9
I would personally recommend turning all light off. Yes, Brown Algae thrives in low-light, high nutrient conditions, but it is still a plant. It still needs light. Without light and nutrients, algae can't thrive. Phosphate absorbers are also good to stick in your filter to help with nutrient control. Green-X is one that I've heard to be a good brand.

The hood lamp should only be on for feeding and viewing. If the tank is in an especially bright room, try to cover the side that gets the most exposure with backing. Make sure you are doing weekly water changes and gravel vac to keep nutrient levels down.

I also have a plastic jungle, and I also have no algae problems of any kind because of good management. When investing in an algae eating fish, please take into consideration the full adult size. Many plecos, CAE, SAE, and Flying Foxes will outgrow a ten or twenty gallon tank. Also, not all plecos are algae eaters, or eat algae their entire lives, so please research the one you are interested in at PlanetCatfish.com.

~~Colesea
 

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