Brown alge/rusty water

Question
I've had a 55 gal.tank for about 1 1/2 yrs.For about 2 months,the water has had a rusty look.I can barely see thru it lengthwise.The ph is nearly perfect.I have 1 male betta,5 gourami,3 platty's 4 cory's,and a clown loach.I did have a large pleco,but gave him to my dad.I do regular water changes,as well as filter changes,on my penguin 350's(I'm running two),but the rusty colored water comes back.The light I am using is a single 4ft flouresent that is 4 or 5 yrs old.Could this lighting be the problem.It is'nt as bright as it used to be.I would appreciate all the help I can get. Thank you         Chad Daugherty   Tuscola,IL  

Answer
Hello,

The best way to tell if the lighting is the problem is to take out a bucket of water. If it still looks rusty when it is not under your aquariums lights, then the lighting is not the problem.

Do you have any driftwood in your tank? This is usually the cause of rusty looking water. Driftwood leaks tannins into the water. It is not bad for your fish, but it creates ugly colored water. If driftwood is the problem, try removing it and boiling it until most of the tannins leach out.

I would also syphon your gravel, change your filter media and give your aquarium a good cleaning. With regular water changes this may help clear up your aquarium.

I hope this helps.

From Stephanie