

In general, you can look at a few main causes:excess silica ornitrate in the water or an abundance of nutrients. After providing proper lighting, improving water quality should be your next concern. Aquariums kept in dark places are also more likely to develop Brown Algae problems because the plants and green algaes that grow in bright light compete for the nutrients diatoms need.īrown Algae is also a sign that the water chemistry of your aquarium is not in optimal balance. Causes of Brown Algaeīrown Algae is a common occurrence in a newly set up aquarium. Patches of diatoms will generally make your tank look less appealing. Unlike blue-green algae that can come off in large slimy sheets, these diatoms don't stick together.
BROWN ALGAE IN FISH TANK HOW TO
See Also How To Keep Dead Algae Out Of Your Swimming Pool (For Good) Shocking a Pool to Remove Algae Planktonic Algae Die-off - Aquaculture, Fisheries, & Pond Management Understanding algal blooms – SJRWMD Each species creates a unique opal-like crystalline covering around its cell wall these appear almost like snowflakes and are quite beautiful under a microscope even though they function as substantial armored protection for the tiny organisms. Like plants and other algaes, diatoms photosynthesize light into energy. Diatoms are unicellular organisms that can occur either as solitary cells or in colonies. "Brown Algae" is the common name that refers to the diatoms, Class Bacillariophyceae, that find their way into both freshwater and saltwater home aquariums. Since this substance is readily available in the aquatic environment, myriad single-celled organisms use it to create a protective outer "clamshell." The organisms that do this are known as diatoms. In its natural state, the basic and abundant element Silicon combines with oxygen the result is Silica, which is the basic compound in sandstone, quartz, and glass. This is referred to in the aquarium trade as Brown Algae or Silica Algae. However, there is another kind of algae that grows in aquatic environments it appears brown, especially under artificial lighting in the aquarium setting. These Golden Algae are also not often found in the home aquarium.

Many are also flagellated-having a tail for propulsion-so they are normally found suspended in the water column. They are single-celled organisms that have a cellulose cell wall just like a plant. These are not the types of algae that are growing in your aquarium!Īlso, the Golden Algae, Class Chrysophyceae, are a large group of yellow-brown algae found mostly in freshwater environments they are an important food source in food web dynamics of freshwater ecosystems. The true Brown Algaes, comprised of the Class Phaeophyceae, are a large group of multi-cellular algaes, including many of the seaweeds in cold marine waters, such as kelp. A few preventative measures will have your tank looking great and algae-free. It is also relatively easy to stop brown algae from even growing in your aquarium if you know the cause. The good news is that this issue is pretty easy to clean up for the most part, it is easily removed. This problem is especiallycommon in new aquariums, which may cause concern for people new to fish keeping.
