Brown algea like substance that won't go away

[wdgosnell]

Have this brown algae looking stuff on my tank walls.....tried chemi-clear and multiple other items but after scrubbing it away it just comes right back....also, how do I keep the red algea near my lights from reoccuring?

 

[nemo22]

it could be many things. my guess is high phosphate levels from poor water quality(not enough water changes with ro water) and- or your lights are on to long.

 

[misfit]

Try to cut back on feedings and light time, check your phosphates. Is this a new tank? What do you have for water movement?you may need more

 

[beth]

Is it diatoms? Does it wipe off easy?

 

[wdgosnell]

Thanks for all the responses....could be all of the above...I leave the lights on for a good 16 hours per day...is that too long?......I have a couple of power heads and a filter but what could make the water move more than it should?.......I don't over feed the fish, that's for sure. And as far as water changes go, I change out at least 20% of the water every 2 weeks....although it is tap water, I add a chemical that dissapates the chlorine in it. Any suggestions? Thanks!!

 

[misfit]

16 hrs is too long,maybe more like 10-12hrs, You really need RO/DI water cause tap water even w/dechorilizer has otherminerals that will cause your phosphates to rise,and give you problems.Lots of people on this board have had success w /tap for a short period of time and then it always becomes a problem.What is your turn over rate ?How big is your tank?Maybe you need more powerheads or bigger pump.

 

[dingo0722]

How old are your bulbs and what is their spectrum. I once had a problem with algae in my tank. First it was phosphates, once I got that under control, the algae was going away, but then it started growing back. I also noticed that my polyps where not growing. Once I replaced the Actinic bulbs the issue cleared up fast.

 

[wdgosnell]

It's only a 55 gallon tank....it has a filter made for a 90 gallon tank though. The stuff on the walls wipes away with ease but keeps coming back. As far as the bulbs go, I have what's called a half and half: half actinic and half daylight....not sure if that's the best either....which might be the cause of why none of the anemone's have survived.

 

[seaequus]

How old is your tank, that would have alot to do with it and whats the current chemistry of the water. It sounds like diatoms, if it's a new system once it's finished cycling the diatoms will cease, a good way to help get rid of it is to take a sponge and wipe the glass but remove it from the water then rinse off, if you only brush it way with a scrubber it will get into the water column and only spread further.

 

[weesh]

How does one test for phosphates? I also have a lot of brown algea I'd like to see gone without hurting the rock or invertebrates. I started my tank about 5 weeks ago.

 

[misfit]

Test kits for phosphates.New tanks usually get some alge bloom.Try to feed less and cut back on lights.It will subside.make sure you have enough water movement too. :joy: