Lots of Brown Algae - Why?

[Uncle Albert]

For the last 2 weeks (especially bad in the last week) we have much more brown algae than normal ... 30 gal tank ... no new fish ... I do 20% water changes every week and gravel vac/40% water change every month ... filter is eheim 2215 which I cleaned and replaced pads on about 4 weeks ago ... anyone have ideas on what may be causing this drastic change? and what to do?

Thanks in advance

UA

 

[Voltage]

You should test your Nitrate level's and see were they are at.

Also you could get a pleco, since you you have 30 gallon get a smaller species like a britsle nose. Only after you test your nitrate level.

Thats usually how i deal with it.

 

[Uncle Albert]

Response

Thanks for your reply.

I'll have to take a sample to the local fish shop for accurate testing.

If the nitrates are high, what is the best solution?

UA

 

[Voltage]

Also look at the phosphate level, forgot to mention that the first time

Also Oto cats love brown algae and don't get bigger than 3 inches.

btw, what type of lighting do you have? watts per gallon?

 

[Uncle Albert]

Response II

Day Glo 20Watt - Claudia C506A ballast

Readings seem to be OK

 

[Voltage]

How long has it been since you replaced the bulb/s? Because as the bulb gets older it loses much of its spectrum output.

Low light could be why.

 

[homebunnyj]

If the nitrates are high you do a partial water change to lower it. Don't let the lfs sell you any magic solutions for your problem, you only need to do water changes to lower nitrates.

 

[Uncle Albert]

Response III

It's been at least 2 years since the bulb has been changed ..

Would you suggest a change? Any particular type/rating?

UA

 

[homebunnyj]

Yeah, you need to change it at least every eight or nine months. Get a good full-spectrum daylight bulb, around 6500K, if you plan on having live plants.

 

[Uncle Albert]

Response IV

On the 6500K - is there a wattage associated with it? Brands matter or not? *ALL*

 

[FroggyFox]

Ottos (otocinclus) love that brown algae and they're so darn cute If you have room for them in the tank you should get a couple.

Not sure on the specifics of the bulbs, but I know that the older or lower wattage lights tend to be perfect for brown algae, I had a tank once that I couldn't win with because it had such a tiny bulb. I *think* your fixture tells you what wattage to get, but your choices for spectrum at the store will be varied.