Brown Algae

[Ferris]

Hi all,

I have a 3 week old Mbuna tank setup which is pretty much mid cycle. The tank is a fairly standard 4 foot size filtered by a Fluval +3 internal filter.

I am having a problem with what looks like brown algae, all the rocks etc in the tank are covered in the stuff. I have set up tanks previously and not come across this before.

Could it be because i do not have any plants in this tank with it being a Malawi setup? The only other thing i can think of is that i have a double light hood on this tank, which is obviously generating more light than i have had previously.

I am currently cleaning the rocks approx twice a week, which is no great problem but it does concern me a little, how long might this continue?

The water quality is currently good and is in fact virtually crystal clear and there are only 7 small occupants at present (all juveniles).

Anyone come across this before or any ideas/treatments etc?

Thanks in advance

 

[thecichlidaddict]

That tank has not been setup for very long, and brown algae is fairly common in newer setups. Time will most likely take care of it. For now just keep up the water changes.

You can also try a bristlnose pleco to help clean it up, though you'll need to supplement food for it.

 

[Exiled]

I had brown algae cropping up too--- let it grow....the green algae grows upon the brown algae. Don't clean it off......the mbuna eat the algae, it give's em something to do.