The Puffer Forum

I'm seeing a reddish/brown algae on the upper half of my fake plants. I also see it on the Whisper Filter tube also, I see nothing on rocks, sand or the glass.

What is the cause? What can I do to remedy it?

Thanks a bunch.

Brown diatoms most likely, extremely common in newer tanks. Just rub it off with your fingers under running water. It'll go away on its own eventually.

Is this a newly set up tank or one that's been going for a while?

Is it more of a hairy algae, or something almost like dust that wipes off easily?

It's not round at all. My glass is clean as could be, I haven't had to clean it in months. This tank is over a year established.

It wipes off rather easy.