va1

I have recently started started growing plants from bulbs and also seems that I have started getting an outbreak of brown algae at the same time. There has never been an algae problem in this tank before. Is it possible that these bulbs have been the culprit of my algae problem?

iloveengl

I'm not certain what the culprit is, but I have read repeatedly on the forum that this is actually not a bad algae, it clears up on it's own, and the fish always seem to enjoy it. Not sure if that is helpful to you since it doesn't exactly answer your question, but I thought you might be worried about it causing problems....

aquarist48

Hello va1 and Welcome to Fish Lore! Brown Algae or Diatoms is usually more prevalent in newly set up aquariums. How long has this tank been set up? Ilovee is correct it will eventually go away on it's own and some fish (I believe it's Ottos) will enjoy eating it. Too, you can just wipe it off and then more will disappear as you do your gravel vacuums. It may not look too good but it isn't harmful and it should go away.
As far as the plant bulbs causing the problem I'm uncertain. Have you changed any of your lighting habits? It may help as well if you can post your nitrate levels.
Keep us up to date!
Ken

va1

The tanks been set up for about 7 months and nitrates are normal and I did change the lighting but not til after the algae started. And I know its not bad but its ugly and annoys me. And my fish aren't cleanly enough to eat algae.......hmmm

pepetj

I nourish some of the brown-slime at the rear (and in four tanks placed side by side, in the adjacent) walls of my tanks. It may not look good in the front-view glass but small fish (including fry) and inverts nibble on it from time to time.

Not sure if it is the same thing you are referring to though...

Pepetj
Santo Domingo

iloveengl

I've heard that one way to suck up the algae is to stick a cut willow branch in the water. That may only work for green algae (I can't remember), but it's easy and worth a shot. You kinda just stick it in there and then after a night or two, it should be clear water. But if you don't address the original problem, you're going to be cutting a lot of willow branches over the life of the tank