I have a new tank set-up (3 months) and have a major problem with brown algae taking over the tank. It is covering the rocks, caulerpa, sand etc and is making the tank look a complete mess. Amonia/Nitrite levels are zero and nitrate is almost zero, I suspect I have excess nutrients but don't know how to reduce them. I don't have a skimmer installed - would this help ? The only live inhabitants are 2 common clowns, 1 blue damsel and the caulerpa.
Brown algae
- Thread starter Chris D Lee
- Start date
Brown algae -- cyano. Likely it is due to excess nutrients like phosphate, likely too much food in the tank, etc. 1st things first: you do need a skimmer as it acts to remove excess proteins and nutrients from the water (much like how waves create foam on the beach). See many other posts on this board for brands (EuroReef, BakPak, etc.)
Also -- for water changes, etc do you use RO/DI water? Not all tap water is created equal and some locales have very high level of phosphates (ie: fertilizer runoff local farmers into the groundwater supply).
And -- if all else fails -- water changes!
Also -- for water changes, etc do you use RO/DI water? Not all tap water is created equal and some locales have very high level of phosphates (ie: fertilizer runoff local farmers into the groundwater supply).
And -- if all else fails -- water changes!
Welcome to Reefs.org! 
What does the stuff look like? Is it a brown "mat" or does it look like snot with bubbles in it?
Normally any type of nuisance algae can be corrected with increased skimming, using RO/DI water for topoff as well as water changes. I'd suggest either doing a couple large waterchanges or adding a good skimmer to the tank or both. What size tank do you have and do you use RO/DI water or tap water?
Shane
What does the stuff look like? Is it a brown "mat" or does it look like snot with bubbles in it?
Normally any type of nuisance algae can be corrected with increased skimming, using RO/DI water for topoff as well as water changes. I'd suggest either doing a couple large waterchanges or adding a good skimmer to the tank or both. What size tank do you have and do you use RO/DI water or tap water?
Shane
I'm actually suspecting diatoms more than cyano.
Diatoms are relatively easy to take care of. Good water conditions, of course, followed by snails. If the brown stuff can be blown or brushed off, it's likely to be a diatom film. Snails love to eat diatoms.
Yes, a protein skimmer will help with removing dissolved nutrients. Do you have any other filtration (e.g. hang-on, canister, etc.)? A skimmer is much more efficient, as it removes the dissolved proteins, where as hang-ons don't.
Diatoms are relatively easy to take care of. Good water conditions, of course, followed by snails. If the brown stuff can be blown or brushed off, it's likely to be a diatom film. Snails love to eat diatoms.
Yes, a protein skimmer will help with removing dissolved nutrients. Do you have any other filtration (e.g. hang-on, canister, etc.)? A skimmer is much more efficient, as it removes the dissolved proteins, where as hang-ons don't.
That's why I hate the term "brown algae." If it's a film, it's diatoms. If it's more of a hairy mat, then it's brown algae..I think. :?
Anyhow, I grow this brown hairy stuff in waves...when I feew too much it blooms too.
I just got a yellow tang and he has started going over it like a lawn mower. He pulls it out of the rock like a goat uprooting grass. He leaves behind strips of perfect purple rock. I don't think yellow tangs all eat this stuff, but I got lucky.
Anyhow, I grow this brown hairy stuff in waves...when I feew too much it blooms too.
I just got a yellow tang and he has started going over it like a lawn mower. He pulls it out of the rock like a goat uprooting grass. He leaves behind strips of perfect purple rock. I don't think yellow tangs all eat this stuff, but I got lucky.
Yes, a skimmer will help. Also, liquid is right, an ro/di unit will help as well. A very small percentage of the water supply is suitable enough to use for reef aquariums straight out of the tap. Odds are against you here. Don't chance it ;-)
An example. I trusted my tap at first. Got hair algae back in August. Switched to filtered water, and the stuff still hasn't died. Discovered just two days ago, that my local water source is downstream from one of the larger phosphorous mines in the country.
Also, the US govt requires phosphates to be put into tap water in municipalities where lead water pipe is still in service.
Good luck!
J.
An example. I trusted my tap at first. Got hair algae back in August. Switched to filtered water, and the stuff still hasn't died. Discovered just two days ago, that my local water source is downstream from one of the larger phosphorous mines in the country.
Also, the US govt requires phosphates to be put into tap water in municipalities where lead water pipe is still in service.
Good luck!
J.
Quick update to answer some of the questions:
1. The tank is currently fish-only but my intention is to move into inverts etc
2. There is an external cannister filter which includes carbon and a poly filter (as of a week ago)
3. I did use tap water having previously found this to be ok but I haven't tested it
4. There are 2 marine tubes for the tank on for 6 hours
5. The tank is a Rekord 90
6. The algae can be blown/shaken off
A further update is that the algae is now turning into a black "skin" with an almost "leathery" look to it
1. The tank is currently fish-only but my intention is to move into inverts etc
2. There is an external cannister filter which includes carbon and a poly filter (as of a week ago)
3. I did use tap water having previously found this to be ok but I haven't tested it
4. There are 2 marine tubes for the tank on for 6 hours
5. The tank is a Rekord 90
6. The algae can be blown/shaken off
A further update is that the algae is now turning into a black "skin" with an almost "leathery" look to it
It's red slime algae (cyanobacteria). It's normal to see it in a new tank. Increase circulation with some additional powerheads and get yourself a good protein skimmer. A large water change (or two) with good quality source water like RO/DI would help too. Also, IME, canister filters need to be cleaned frequently or they will degrade water quality and result in pest algaes.
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