algae on my plant

[kaley822]

there is brown stuff ( i'm suposing its algae cause it looks like the stuff i scrape of the walls of the tank) on my plant. how do i get it off without damaging the plant because whenever i touch it leaves fall off. it is a somewhat small and delicate plant (but is growing freakishly fast) so how do i get rid of the algae

 

[Phantom Thief]

Brown algae will go away if you leave the light on for a long time. Try leaving it on for a longer time every day.

P.T.

 

[endparenthesis]

Toothbrush.

 

[Colin_BC]

Keep your eyes open for a few Otocinclus Catfish and/or some True Siamese Algae Eater's (Crossocheilus siamensis). I've got 1 true siamensis and 4 oto's in a 30G that had tons of brown crap growing on the plants for a bit due to a phosphate buildup. I've been treating the phosphates while the oto's and true siamensis have been cleaning up the plants nicely with no harm.

Find the source of your algae, whether it be phosphates or something else natural with a new aquarium or insufficent light, and fix that if you can. The fish mentioned above should help clean the existing algae. The oto's are quite entertaining as well, especially in groups of 3 or more.

What's your lighting situation like (hours on, wattage)? Is the tank an established one, or is it new? Have you tested for phosphates at all?

Colin

 

[kaley822]

well i dunno about the phosphates, but the tank has really low light (less than a watt per gallon) and i leave it on from like noon to 12 or 1 in the morning. i dont see how i could leave it on longer than this because i wouldnt be awake to turn it off. the tank has been going for about a year.

today i tried to look for algae eaters and it was my luck the pet store was having some kind of prob because the only tank with algae eaters EVERY SINGLE one was dead and floating. ( which is no good cause isnt the water usually connected between all those tanks at the fish store?) I also saw two male bettas in the same cup i need to find a better store... until then i will attempt to clean the leaves without destroying the plant.

 

[Silly me]

Brown algae will go away if you leave the light on for a long time. Try leaving it on for a longer time every day.

NOOOO!!!

Brown algae will go away if you increase the light.. not the light time dont leave the lights on longer..