Brown algae problems

[Overthere]

I've got a small tank (10g) in my 2 year old son's room. Occupants are a single black moor (2 in.) and anywhere between 1 & 3 ghost shrimp (depending on how sporty/hungry the Moor is). Tank is established, levels are fine, water changes are 30% weekly.

Recently there's been a brown algae bloom, mostly in the gravel.

I'm wondering if there are any small algae eaters out there that would get along with the Moor?

Open to suggestions.

Thanks

 

[bribones]

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=107292

id say loaches but ive had problems in the past with them latching onto the moors eyes

over to angel i think

 

[jollysue]

I got a couple of large mystery snails to try. They are suppose to eat algae. At the least they will eat excess food. But I see them on the tank sides. If this is no good I hope someone will let me know.

Well the guy "said" they are mystery snails. I think they might be apple snails. One is black and one is dark yellow, darkening at the whurl tip, and an inch or more in diameter. They seem to be cool and are able to take care of themselves with the goldies.

 

[black angel]

A snail is fine as mentioned and they do eat algae but not sure if they eat brown algae. Only get one though if the ph is over 7.4 as you are crowded as it is.

The fish Bri is on about is a chinese algae eater and they love the slime coats of other fish. If you have a fast filter flow on the back wall then a hillstream loach would be fine as well.

 

[jollysue]

Forgive me, overthere, for taking black angel's attention in your thread.

I just tested and my stats are all at acceptable levels: no ammonia, no nitrite, ph at or below 7. I got the wrong test kit out for the nitrate so skipped it.

I have already put two snails about an inch in the 40 usg long with a mature oranda, a juvie oranda, and a 5 (?) inch common goldie. I did let the tank get out of control a few weeks back, but I did multiple water changes for a week and added some ammonia removing Black Diamond carbon. It has been good since.

I really don't know the algaes. It is redish brown when young, but when new it is green. There seems to be less of it on the plastic plants, but JR could have brushed them in his turtle act last night.

Thanks for your reply and help. Are these loaches in unheated tanks?

 

[black angel]

I'm no expert on algae types but if the nitrate level is high then they tend to flourish more.
I know light levels play a part in it as well.
For more info on types of algae growth its best to maybe ask in the planted section.
The loaches i mentioned are good for coldwater tanks. A good one for eating non green algae is the siamese algae eater/flying fox but i dont know if thats ok for a coldwater tank.
The bristlenose prefers to eat the young brown algae but i dont know about the red. Bristlenoses can only go to the lower tropical range and dont do well in really cold water.
Hopefully the snails you have will tackle it for you.
The dojo loach doesnt eat algae but food left on the bottom.