The brown algae!

[DeCypher]

That nasty brown algaeis back! It's all over the glass, and whenever I clean it off, it comes back in greater numbers! It's actually STAINING my white sand. My tank is now nasty and extremely unattractive. Is there any end to this madness?:errr:

 

[evut]

There was a thread about brown algae recently:
http://www.caudata.org/forum/f46-be...nder-help/72520-help-brown-algae-problem.html

 

[Molch]

sounds like you may have diatoms. They are perfectly harmless, and a normal occurrence in newt tanks. They grow in low light and use excess nutrients. You'll just have to wipe 'em off. You could also add plants who will compete for the nutrients with diatoms.

In my alpine tank, diatoms grow on the glass in the corners and on rocks, but they don't coat the surface of the plants. I kinda like them; they make things look less sterile and when they get too much, I just wipe them off.

 

[DeCypher]

Is there any product or something that would get rid of it? I am willing to do anything, because the tank is extremely unsightly. Everything is brown. :errr:

 

[twistedfisher]

the only 100% sure cure for diatomic algae is to either out compete it with a fast growing plant or get an oto to eat it all!

 

[DeCypher]

Any fast-growing plants to do the job? (I have rather low light levels.)

 

[Jennewt]

My solution is to use only brown aquarium decorations

Java moss might help a bit.

 

[DeCypher]

Where can I get some java moss?

 

[twistedfisher]

Any fast-growing plants to do the job? (I have rather low light levels.)

I would recommend Najas Grass

I love it love it love it!

PM me if you need some

 

[Molch]

you could get some plants and increase the light. Of course, with higher light you'll get green algae instead . Whatever you do, do NOT get any of those algaecides or other chemicals - those could be harmful to newts and plants.

I dunno about that white sand....it's kinda like wanting white carpet in a house full of dogs. It's doomed, man!