Red/Brown stuff on plants and rocks?

stwim · Post by **stwim** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:01 pm

I have noticed this brownish algae growing in the tank. What is it, and what do I do about it?

Post by **Doug** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 6:52 pm

"Brown algae" is diatoms, common in new FW tanks. Too much nitrate, not enough light, no or not enough real plants competing for nutrients in tank water, no scavengers eating it.

Regular partial water changes, better lighting, a plecostomus or algae eater or two, and also increased oxygenation of the water will help.

stwim · Post by **stwim** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 4:41 pm

Thanks for the reply Doug,
I am changing the water tomorrow and have gotten an algae eater. How would I increase oxygenation in the tank? A bubble stone perhaps?

Post by **Doug** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 6:54 pm

stwim wrote:A bubble stone perhaps?

Yes, anything that will agitate the surface of the water. Oxygen enters the water when the water's surface tension is broken due to atmospheric air pressure being greater than water pressure. It doesn't have to be strong bubbling. It also could be as little as redirecting a powerhead's or filter's output to ripple the surface, if it's not doing so now.

Post by **Gerwin** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 5:42 pm

and to add to some fixes
*reduction of lighting period
*use of RO water for top off and water changes
*and use of phosphate removing resins in your filters

we sell RO water for .25 per gallon,
and have the Resins to do that as well for your filter

FishyStuff.net

Red/Brown stuff on plants and rocks?

Red/Brown stuff on plants and rocks?

Re: Red/Brown stuff on plants and rocks?

Re: Red/Brown stuff on plants and rocks?

Re: Red/Brown stuff on plants and rocks?

Re: Red/Brown stuff on plants and rocks?