What is Brown Aquarium Algae and How to Prevent It

     Nothing can ruin the pristine appearance of an aquarium than the presence of brown aquarium algae. Even worse, the presence of brown algae can also be indicative of serious chemical imbalances in your water chemistry which can pose a serious threat to the health and well-being of your fish.

Unlike green algae, brown algae do not have the slimy characteristic when removed of green algae. It will normally first become evident on the aquarium substrate or the sides of the aquarium. In new tank set ups it is not unusual to detect small growths of brown algae during the first two weeks of the aquarium's operation. As the aquarium's water chemistry begins to stabilize, most of these outbreaks tend to go away on their own.

In established aquariums brown aquarium algae is indicative of high levels of silicates and nitrates, low light conditions and low oxygen levels. Obviously, these conditions also pose a serious threat to the health of your fish. As such, the sudden appearance of brown aquarium algae should be addressed first by testing your tank's water for nitrate, pH, phosphate, oxygen and silicate levels. If the results of these tests are outside of acceptable parameters, immediately wipe off the surfaces where the algae is present, vacuum the gravel and realize a 25% water change for the tank. Test the water chemistry again after doing this maintenance procedure to ensure that levels are back to normal. Repeat as many times that is necessary to ensure a return to proper water chemistry levels.

Of course, prevention is always preferred over reaction. In the case of brown aquarium algae, adhering to your aquarium's weekly maintenance schedule of substrate vacuuming and water changes is one the best ways to keep brown algae outbreaks down. Not allowing uneaten food and dead vegetation to accumulate in the bottom of the tank also goes a long way in this regard. Including bottom dwelling scavengers, such as cat fish or algae eaters as part of your tank's species diversity will also help prevent brown algae. In cases where the re-occurrence of brown aquarium algae is high, if using a box type filter, use a resin that is silicate absorbing in the filter to combat the problem.

As was formerly mentioned, one of the conditions required by brown aquarium algae to thrive is low light conditions. For those of you who have battled with green algae, you will realize that this is the exact opposite of green algae which thrives in conditions of excessive light. If brown algae become a persistent problem, try exposing your tank to additional light in small increments.

Is there an absolute sure fire method to prevent brown aquarium algae from forming in your tank? The honest answer would be, no. Being informed as to what conditions contribute to brown algae outbreaks; and more importantly how proper and frequent maintenance ties into the prevention of its presence will go a long way, however, in keeping your aquarium algae-free. Although brown aquarium algae outbreaks may not always be indicative of more serious problems with your aquarium, it is best to always be cautious. Whenever brown algae are detected, test your water chemistry as a matter of routine.

Remember, as with other areas of aquarium maintenance, avoiding brown aquarium algae starts with prevention, continues with effective reaction and ends with regular monitoring.