Brown algee

Question
I keep getting Brown Algee all over my tank. It has never been a problem until here recently. I have cleaned the tank and changed the water and it comes back very quickly. Can you tell me how to help take care of the problem? I have a 30 gal tank and a 10 gal tank, the 30 is the worse one about it.. Thanks Dana

Answer
Good evening Dana, thank you for your question.

Brown algae occurs in newer tanks and also in tanks with low light and oxygen conditions. The two in conjunction appear to be the perfect "recipe" for brown algae.

What I would do is change out the bulb on the 30 gallon tank for a brand new fluorescent bulb. A full spectrum bulb such as GE's "Sunshine" would be my personal choice, of course you can buy an aquarium specific bulb. I would look for a bulb 5,500k or higher, such as Ultra Sun by Zoo Med.

Ensure that your filter is flowing at full force by cleaning it out regularly, especially the impeller. I clean out my hang on the back power filters about once a month, I let my canister go a bit longer. If you have a filter such as the Eclipse built-in filtration system with a relatively puny flow rate, add extra aeration via an airstone to compensate.

Lastly, do what you need to your water change routine to achieve 0 ppm nitrates. Water changes 2x weekly of 25-50% for a month will help to flush out the nutrients that are feeding this form of algae, simpler in cell structure than green algae. Vacuuming the gravel (as it looks like you have been doing) at least 2x a month will also be beneficial. Adding live plants such as hornwort that are fast growing is another way of controlling algae of all kinds biologically.

Also, remember to change your bulbs about twice a year. Even if they don't appear to have dimmed to your eye, the spectrum in a 6 month old fluorescent bulb is more favorable to algae than a brand new bulb. Daylight bulbs (Cool White) are also favorable to algae, so if you are using the original Daylight bulb provided with your tank, consider a switch to GE's Sunshine or an aquarium specific fluorescent.

Have a nice weekend!
Nicole