You are here:About>Home & Garden>Freshwater Aquariums
About.comFreshwater Aquariums
Newsletters & RSSEmail to a friendSubmit to Digg
Other Types of Algae

BeardBlue-greenGreen Water

Other Types of Algae

SlimeSmearSpot

New posts to the Freshwater Aquariums forums:

killer filter-why?Green Water-Algae BloomDeionized Water

Brown Algae

From Shirlie Sharpe,
Your Guide to Freshwater Aquariums.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
Other Names: Gravel algae, Silica algae
Color: Brown
Appearance: Brown algae begins as brown patches on the gravel and/or glass, then rapidly coats most surfaces of the aquarium with a thin, dark brown coating that is easily removed. Unlike blue-green/slime algae, it does not come off in large slimy sheets.
Cause:
  • Excess silicates & nitrates
  • Inadequate light
  • Low oxygen levels

    Brown algae is a common occurrence in a newly set up aquarium. It is generally caused by too little light, an excess of silicates, an abundance of nutrients, and too little oxygen. Silicates can build up through tap water that is high in silicic acid, and silicates that leech from some types of substrates.
    • Cure:
  • Wipe off surfaces & vacuum gravel well
  • Use silicate adsorbing resin in the filter
  • Increase the lighting
  • Stock a plecostomus or several otocinclus

    This type of algae does not adhere strongly to the tank surfaces, and is easily wiped away. Vacuuming the gravel with a siphon will quickly remove coatings from the substrate. Increasing the lighting will inhibit re-growth of brown algae. As a new tank matures brown algae is often eliminated naturally by plants and green algae competing for nutrients.
    • Some sucker-mouth catfish will readily eat brown algae, most notably plecostomus and otocinclus. If the problem is due to high silicates in the water, and the brown algae persists, a special silicate absorbing resin can be used in the filter.
    Prevention:
  • Use of RO water
  • Regular water changes
  • Regular aquarium cleaning
  • Good lighting

    As with any algae, keeping the tank clean and performing regular water changes is one of the best preventative measures. Unfortunately it is still possible to get algae in spite of regular maintenance, especially in a newly established aquarium. Prompt attention to sudden algae growth will prevent more serious problems.
    		•
    Makeover Your Home

    Cut Out the ClutterCleaning with the KidsRemodeling Your HomeSpring Lawn CareGardening Made Easy

     All Topics | Email Article | | |
    Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | SiteMap | Reprints | HelpOur Story | Be a Guide
    User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.