persistent algae problem

Question
I have had an aquarium for about 3 years.
10 Gallon aquarium.
About 12 fish: Guppies, Beta's, Tetras and other assorted fish.
Filter: Whisper 30-60.    
Water is changed about every 2 weeks.

I have a persistent problem with brown algae.  The filtration system doesn't keep up, and introducing algae-eating fish does not help--they usually die within 24-48 hours.  Other fish seem to be healthy and disease free.  Green algae is not a problem.  HELP!

Answer
Hi Kathy;

The tank is just too crowded with fish. The amount of waste going in there is providing plenty of fertilizer for the algae. The general rule of thumb for small community tanks is one inch of fish per gallon. You might consider getting a 20 gallon for them all or just another ten gallon and split the population up.

All tanks really need a water change every week. It's even more important in overcrowded ones. Changing 25% weekly and vacuuming the gravel at the same time will help greatly and may reduce the waste enough to reduce some of the algae. Here is a link to a little bit of information on brown algae;

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

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins