bmxer193

There is this brown stuff apearing on the edges of the leaves on my fake plants (silk and plastic), on the gravel, and theres a line on the botton of the glass! What it this stuff and how can i make it go away, ive been wanting a pleco do think a pleco could help me with this probelm?

ShaynaB

Sounds like common algae to me... Usually, vacuuming my gravel will turn it enough to make the algae not that noticeable. Some plecos get very large, so I'd do my research before I put one in. I think bristle nose plecos stay small for the species, but they still get rather large. Your aquarium is pretty fully stocked at the moment, and that's being conservative on the size of your Mollies. Actually, I'm surprised your Mollies aren't attacking the algae. Mine love it!

Unless it gets too out of control, it shouldn't bother anything.

An aquarium glass cleaner will get it off the glass for you. I use one every once in a while.

sirdarksol

It's diatoms, most likely. They're a common part of a new aquarium.
Plecos will not eat the stuff, generally, but otos love it. The otos need a really stable water quality, but if you can provide that, they are great little cleaners.

wkinne02

I agree. The stuff is incredibly easy to clean by simply wiping it away. Also, it will eventually disappear on its own. It is a bit unsightly, but it's absolutely harmless.

KittieKat

again i would have to agree.. sounds like diatoms to me as well. my sharks love the stuff.. most fish find it as a delightly treat.. i wouldnt worry about it too much. it should go away in time

wolfman21

This is exactly correct, they are efficient algae eaters, but make sure that there is not too much fluctuation in water quality. Another option is shrimp, like red cherry shrimp that eat algae. This website might help a little: http://www.plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=9