cuteusagi

Hi All! I have a 29 gallon tank that has been well established in our home, and we just began switching out fake plants for live plants. We started with a Java fern, and then added a water wisteria and frill plant. After adding the java fern, we put some plant fertilizer in the water to help it grow. After that, we noticed some algae-like substance that is a brown color creeping on some rocks, and in a week, it has spread to more rocks, the substrate, and the fake plants. After reading several posts, I am assuming that this "brown algae" is actually a collection of diatoms. Does this sound right?

It is rather unsightly, even though I know it won't harm the fish or plants. We have a tank light on a timer for about 9 hours a day (a light to encourage the plants to grow). If we leave the tank light off for several days, could that harm our plants? And could this stuff have always been there and the addition of the plant fertilizer intensified it's growth? Our water changes haven't decreased the growth either.

We only have 2 corys, and they seem to just brush over it, but there's too much there for them to really be able to take care of...would any of you advise getting a pleco of sorts for the tank? We have about 8-9 inches to work with, and we'd really like to get another ram, so the pleco couldn't be more than 4-5 inches at adult size.

Thanks for the input!!!
Meghan

capekate

Hi Meghan
It does sound like diatoms..I had them in my established 29g as well. I bought oto's (otocinclus fish) as was recommended to me. I do not believe the cories will eat the diatoms as much as they like algae. The diatom is not an algae. When I brought home the otos they went to work on the diatoms like little worker bee's and really do a great job in cleaning it up. I also take out the decorations and wash them in tank water, to try and keep it in control. After 6 months it looks like the diatoms are under control to the point that I'm thinking my otos need something else to eat and actually have had the occasion to add a rock with diatoms from another tank into the 29 just so the otos had something to eat! lol...
I really would recommend the otos for cleaning up diatoms! Good luck with your tank. ~ kate