Brown algae

[ASHMAN]

hi guys

this is a 4ft juwel tank that was cycled for two weeks before adding any fish or plants. it has 2 x T5 54w lights that run for about 6 hours. the tank is away from sunlight. it is home to a pair of blue acaras and has the juwel bio filter that came with the tank. this algae is taking over the tank no matter how many times we clean it . there are three other tanks that are run in the exact manner but no algae. please advise on how to get rid of this or if there is a deficiency of some sort . this algae is smothering the plants aswell.

thanks in advance126171261812619

[Vis]

Its normally some diatome algae.

See if you can hold of 3 or so Otto's and they will take care of it.

[Zoom]

New tank always gets this, and my experience, removing it makes it worse. Let it run its course.

[Lloydster]

if its diatom, ottos will make quick work of eating it. but just to save your plants reduce the lighting period or intensity dont add any ferts like nitrate or phosphate, will only make things worse.
and use a 1-2m air hose and suck as much of this "gunk" out as possibel so the plants still receive light instead of getting smotherd like you said. this is a nice algae its just passing by so not to worry lol

[ASHMAN]

great stuff guys. thanks for the help. i will put the advice to practice. will keep you guys posted on the outcome.

much appreciated

[ASHMAN]

ps , if u take a careful look at the first pic , those are the acaras fry.

[Lloydster]

looking good dude! just looked at the third pic looks like a small amount of BBA algae aswel i think?

[ASHMAN]

true! there is a mix of some sort going on, i will try for better pics.

[wrenchy]

Vis what otto's do you recommend??

[RFSwanepoel]

Off topic here but are those little baby fish in the corner?

[azurekoi]

RFSwanepoel.... --->
ps , if u take a careful look at the first pic , those are the acaras fry.

[wrenchy]

can any1 recommend which otto's are good at eating some algae ahahha???

[azurekoi]

Any one of the Ottocinclus species realy....but the only one we see often in RSA is O.affinis....

[wrenchy]

thanks azurekoi will have a look see and think about getting some!!

[azurekoi]

Uhmm- Ottos in that tank might just become a snack for the Acara's though.... rather look at SAE's... they will be able to look after themselves a bit better...