Brown Algea...

[RedShark]

Im having problems with the cycle in my 30 gallon tank. Although its beeen set up now for like a month and one week, i still cant get past the ammonia stage. I must have done about 30 water changes in attempts to control the ammonia. Everytime i test the water it shows up with 1.0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and 0 nitrate. Ph of about 7.0.

Brown algea has now made its prescense felt in the front and back glass of tank and completely covered a 12inch fake plant i have, it used to be all white, now it looks like its been through autumn. Am i going to have any other problems w/ this brown algea(besides it beeing gross to look at) Will it harm my fish in anyway? should i take it out? leave it in? I'll probably replace the big plant, but what about the bits thats gotten onto rocks and glass? I really hope it doesnt mess with my cycle. Can someone help?

 

[The-Wolf]

brown algae is actually diatoms.
this is caused by too little light.
increase the light levels by either adding
more or having the current one on for longer

 

[DaveW]

I have the same problem with brown algea (diatoms). I have 2 X 20watt tubes on for 12 hours. How long should I leave the light on for? Or should I increase it ....say half an hour a week until a find a balance?

 

[The-Wolf]

that sounds like a great plan.
diatoms will go on their own eventually, if you still have them when the tank has matured then otos will eat it all up.

 

[DaveW]

Cheers

 

[ADelphi]

http/www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/algae.htm#brown

I'm going to get some oto's.