What is going on with my tank!

[duckdown]

Okay, its getting worse every day now!

My rocks are getting rust-colored and im getting stains on the sides of my tank and stuff now.. what is going on!!!!

 

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the stain spots on the tank are also rust colored

 

[ger87410]

How long have you had the tank? It's probably just algae. Ours is doing the same thing since we don't like scrubbing everything once a week. If the fish are fine, and the water parameters are where you want them, I wouldn't do 1 thing to it (except the normal chores).

 

[Nina7777]

Hi there-

Brown algae (which is rust colored) is normaly found in newly established tanks and sometimes is mature ones.

Its not really algae but diatoms and are caused by a few things.
1) not enough light or too much light
2) excessive amounts of nitrates
3) Overfeeding

I have this problem in my 20 gallon right now, because I was only leaving the light on for about 3 hours a day. Since it started appearing I leave the lights on for about 10 hours and it is starting to disappear.

It sure is ugly but it is not harmful to your fish, just kinda acts like a notification system that something is a little off in your tank.

Good Luck!

 

[duckdown]

really?
I actually was out of town for about 1&1/2 days and the light was on for that entire time

hopefully that will have been the cause, because the nitrates and other water levels or whatever are next to perfect.. anybody else know the cause and/or fix for this problem? i'd appreciate the feedback.. thanks!

 

[Nina7777]

I would bet a million dollars that that is the reason but see what others think

 

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no hey, thanks.. im just glad to hear thats why (i think)

so will it go away on its own nina? i've already turned the lights out and the fish seem alot happier now.. even the betta that was hiding in the cave and wouldnt come out is swimming happilly around now

 

[Nina7777]

If you go back to leaving the lights on for no more or less than 6-10 hours a day (may vary if you have plants) then it will go away on its own.

A quick remedy would be to get a few ottos they love the stuff.

Your fish were hiding because the lights were left on and they probably felt very stressed by this. Since they need lights out to be able to rest.

Next timeyour away I would suggest leaving the lights off (or if you have plants buy a cheap timer to hook your lights up too.)

good luck!