Brown Alge question

[Bryankc]

Hi all!

I'm beginning to notice the formation of brown alge on my plants, rocks, and the driftwood. Is this part of the normal "cycling" process and should I begin cleaning the plastic plants, rocks and stuff?

The tank is a about four weeks old........ Otherwise, the fish seem to be doing great.

Thanks.

 

[Lithril]

Usually brown algae is caused by a lack of light. Check your Nitrate levels in the water if these have started getting high this won't help. Its definately worth cleaning it off though, if you start controlling it early on its much easier.

 

[Jimmy Twotimes]

Hi guys

My tank is still cycling and I noticed this too. I got what looks like lots of brown "fur" appearing all over my plastic plants, gravel and real plants. I'm not too keen on cleaning gravel cos I'm still fishless cycling, but stuff is starting to look dirty. Worried it will disturb bacteria.

Also noticed lots of tiny particles in the water. Could this be bacterial bloom? If so what do I do about it?

I'm starting to get disheartened as I've been fishless cycling for about 3 weeks and tho my ammonia remains zero even after adding ammonia each day, my NitrItes are sky high and so are my NitrAtes. Done some water changes but worried that this may slow down process further.

Any advice other than "patience" appreciated!!

Jimmy