redlessi

I have some brown algae diatoms growing on my gravel and decorations and was wondering if there are any fish or snails that would eat it away.

I tried cleaning it off but it is coming back.

Thanks much

ray_sj

Diatoms will usually go away on their own after a few weeks. But, I believe otocinclus catfish will happily eat them. I'm looking into them myself.

aquarist48

Hello Red. I agree with Ray's comments. It may not be too pretty to look at now but it will go away once your tank gets more established. I've also read that the Ottos will help.
Ken

Shawnie

I agree with the others....ottos are amazing with diatoms...BUT, they are super super sensitive and dont do very well in new tanks ....ive only had luck with them in tanks over 6 or so months old good luck!

redlessi

I havent seen any ottos at any of the stores in the area. What about snails? Would they work.

Toddnbecka

BN pleco's will clean up diatoms and algae, but will need to be fed veggies to supplement their diet. Snails will quickly become a bigger nuisance than the diatoms, and won't go away when the tank is better established...

redlessi

The only pleco's around here are the really big ones and they get too big for my tank. I will keep looking for either ottos or bn pleco.

I thought that certain snails wont populate in freshwater especially if it is only 1 of them. Any truth to that?

Thanks

Toddnbecka

Nerites won't reproduce successfully in FW, and apple snails are single-sex critters that require a male and female to reproduce. Most other (common aquarium) species are hermaphrodites, and even a single snail will usually already be carrying fertile eggs, or in the case of Malaysian trumpet snails produce live young.

AlyeskaGirl

Another reason for brown algae (diatoms) usually indicates lack of light.....that your lighting is too low.

I had a problem of brown algae growing on the sides of my 20 gal, decor, heater and my plastic plants. I did some research and read that low lighting was a cause, so I picked up the Coralife 50/50 Fluorescent bulb and it didn't take long for the brown algae to disappear. It was interesting. Then you start getting the green algae. lol Eather way there will be some sort of algae. The green is much prettier then the brown.

redlessi

Yes I read the same thing and it actually started while I was on vacation. A friend came and had the lights on for about 30-40 minutes a day for feeding. I think she may have also overfed a little as well.

Borisbbadd

Another reason could be Phosphates in your water ( the problem I have ).

I use Phosguard in my filter,

Make sure not to over feed fish,

Every other water change, I use R/O water,

Every water change, I soak 1/2 of my plants ( plastic ) in a mild bleach solution, rinse really well and let air dry.

These things don't completely stop it, but they do keep it in check pretty well......

redlessi

what test do you use to test for phosphates? I will try to clean the plants like suggested. Thanks much

Borisbbadd

API has one,
If you are lucky you can find it locally ( I can't ) or you can order it from Drs. Foster & Smith.

whisper

i'm so glad to hear this. I was getting a little bit of the brown algae also and I just puchased about 6 Oto's so I'll watch to see what happens.