Brown Algae

[parttimeaussie]

I have on-going issues with Brown Algae. During a water change and tank cleaning I can make my tank look awesome, but within 24 hrs the glass will start to show significant signs of brown algae build-up. If it goes a couple of weeks my tank looks hideous. What is causing this problem and how do I manage it.
Is it because I am not using an RO/DI filter on the tap water. I wish I could, but lack of funds has prevented me from buying one. If that's my problem, what would be the best choice for my tank. 55 gallons.
fyi. I am running a Protein Skimmer.

 

[montdj]

Yes that is the cause. You could allways buy walmart brand water.

 

[seasalt101]

i might get slammed for this there is a product it cost about 9.00 on this site under aquarium supplies called chemi-clean made by kent follow the directions to the tee, should work for you, just out of curiosity is the tank still cycling? if so just part of the process, also are you close to a window? another possible problem but my guess is you are right on when you said tap water you are adding nitrates and phosphates can you buy ro/di water or is budget that tight? good luck to you and welcome to the boards this is the best saltwater fish info pool out there tobin :happyfish

 

[freejury]

I agree. chemi-clean is great stuff. Works awesome on Cyanobacteria (slime, or red algae) I dont know how it will work on "brown algae", which is probably diatoms, not algae. I dont know what you have for a "clean up crew", but a good broad selection of hermits, snails, small stars, clams, etc, will really help out alot as well.

 

[parttimeaussie]

Thanks for the info.
I guess when I said "Brown Algae" I might be jumping to assumptions, it is like a slime on the glass. I am a novice, but willing to learn.
My tank is near a window, however it doesn't get "direct" sunlight. Is that still a major problem?
My tank has been running for about 10 months, so I would safely say it isn't cycling anymore.
One last question. When you say buy water from Wal-Mart, is that "Distilled Water" that you would be referring to?
Thanks again.

 

[northreef]

Purchase RO or RO/DI...
RO = Reverse Osmosis
DI = Deionized
Look on the web there are some pretty good deals around $200.00 for a complete system with a tap attachment for good drinking water to boot,
Good Luck1

 

[seasalt101]

i purchased my system for 159.00 + tax at home depot it makes about 13 gal. a day which for me isn't enough as my water changes are 20 gal. a week and 2-5 gal. top-offs during the week so i have 2 squeeze in between sweet tea, juice, coffee, and kool-aid ( 3 kids at home ) water is a struggle so if you can afford it ( i have not checked the prices on this site, but they do sell them with alot more output capacity for close to the same price as the 1 i got)good luck tobin

 

[parttimeaussie]

Decided to go the cheaper route and go to the local dealer to buy ready to go salt water. For anyone in the portland area check out Seahorse Aquarium. I was suspect of their water at first, but having only done 1 water change, I am already amazed at the improvement of water quality in my tank.