Changed To A Flora-glo Bulb

[linher1215]

My LFS guy told me that this bulb was the greatest for growing live plants and keeping away brown algae. I have 3 live plants in my tank and the rest are plastic. Well in less than a week i am seeing brown algae forming on some of my plastic plants and rocks and other decorations. I have a 18 inch Flora-Glo bulb for a 20 gallon tank. Anyone have any advise on better lighting to keep the algae away?? I have my light on from about 7 in the morning to 9 at night. Is that to much light? Could that be the problem? Thanks.

 

[Rooster]

I would say 8-10 hours maximum, and is the tank recieving daylight from a nearby window ?

 

[linher1215]

OK then I will limit the time the light is on to the 8 to 10 hours. No the tank is not near a window. It receives no sunlight shining on it. I did pick up 3 oto's today and put them in the tank. Someone told me they will eat brown algae as well as the green, hope that is correct!

 

[charlie4486]

if it's brown its actually a diatom. the best way to get rid of it is to clean it off and leave your lights on for like an hour longer. here is a link that will explain better.
http/www.fishforums.net/content/forum/95...hl-brown-algae/

 

[linher1215]

More light...less light. Not sure what to do. Everyone is saying different things. Some tell me to turn the light off during the day and then turn it back on in the evening. Your link did not take me anywhere, just to the forum page. Could you please try it again? I am very interested to read about what you are saying.

 

[marcan]

charlie is probably refering to this post http/www.fishforums.net/content/forum/95...hl-brown-algae/

Brown algae AKA Diatoms
Description
This type of algae is actually a diatom. Diatoms often form a soft brown clump and are often seen in new, immature, set ups. Diatoms are usually a result of lack of light or an excess of silicates (which they need to multiply).

Possible cure
Increasing the light levels, by adding more light of keeping existing light on for longer, will usually make it disappear. Diatoms can be easily removed by wiping the glass or decorations. I have heard that in America there is a silicate absorbing filter media available, but I have not seen it anywhere on the net.

 

[charlie4486]

^ exactly right. thanks for fixing that.