Wolfman

I have two tanks a 55 gal and 35 gal both of them have a problem with brown algae I have a Siamese algae eater and he can clean either tank in a day or two but my 55 is now a chiclid tank there is a firemouth,2 convicts, and another chiclid yet to be bought and I'm not sure if the algae eater is going to enjoy sharing space with those guys. My tank have been set up for some time about 1 year now so its not your average 2 month old tank problem. I turn the lights on at about 7:00 AM and shut them down at 10:00 PM everynight so do I need more powerfull bulbs or less light. I wouldn't mind some green algae but the brown gets on my white limestone and makes it look dirty. so anyone have any ideas.

sgould

I would cut back on the light. Sounds like you are on for about 15 hours per day, I would shoot for more like 6-7. Maybe lights off when you are not in the room to enjoy them anyway...something like that.

Jim

Brown algea are diatoms... ugly, but won't hurt anything. I agree with sgould, cut back on your light and it should clear up in a few days.

COBettaCouple

You could also try some live plants in there to take nutrients away from the algae.