The Puffer Forum

I have a redish/ brown algae in my 30 gl with my gsp. i have read a previous post here but i am not sure if i should do anything for it. it has not gone away at all, and if i wipe it off it just comes back. it has been in the tank for 2 months and even stayed through a thorough tear down and clean with a new substrate and decor, and even a new filter, should i do something for this or leave it be and wipe it off as needed? it comes off easy and looks a bit like dust in the water when you wipe ot off something.

Just remove it as best you can. Its not really algae but diatoms, very common in newly set up tanks and eventually goes away on its own. Mine takes about 4 months to clear up sometimes.

ok ive done that the tank has been up for 1 1/2 years but only full bracish for about 6 mos. does this still count as new setup?

How long ago did you do the tear down?

about 3 weeks ago, but i did not do a complete on the filter, and used 50% of the water, i did keep some of the plants from before but gave them all a thorough scrubbing by hand in old tank water?

Using the water is meaningless really other than any fish previously in there is used to the water. Its basically a new tank.

Cool thanks for the info, J had always been told over the years to keep a good portion of water when doing that kind of stuff, I'll watch it and keep cleanin it up.

I've the same problem in my 200 liter tank. Started it 3,5 weeks ago.

I've read on the internet that a diatom filter is the quick-solution for this problem. It won't take away the cause but it will filter all the organisms so you won't have the ugly brownish algae-looking areas.
Anyone with experience with a diatom filter and a starting brackish tank? Or is it better just to wait until it doesn't grow anymore and removing the diatoms as much as posible?

They're rather expensive, at least for my budget. I always just wait it out and haven't had any problems.

I have heard of the diatom filters but don't know what they are? I have a magnum 250 and i have the micro cartridge for it but i only use it once a mont or so to "polish" the water, it does make it super clear. normally i run carbon and sponge in it( the carbon cause i have a bunch and it has a good amount of surface area). what types of media are best in the cartridge filter i've read of a couple kinds here but not sure what they are?

If you're *really* desperate to lessen the load of the diatoms, you could try phosphate sponges. This will only work, of course, if excess phosphates is the problem to begin with. Also, it's not going to completely get rid of all the diatoms, so unless your tank is absolutely covered in the stuff, just washing the decor and wiping the glass until it goes away is probably your best bet.
Some other people have also had success limiting the number of hours the tank light is turned on, but I haven't tried that one personally.

My brackish tank is overrun with red/brown algae, it's covered the ocean rock directly under the light, it's not very pretty but I can live with it.