Algae in water storage tanks

[dR3ws3r]

I have white/opaque water storage tank that is about 16 gallons. It has started to accumulate brown algae, or perhaps (unlikely) mold/mildew. I have it near a small window that gets almost no light as it is near the north side of the house and hidden behind a huge bush. Is this a common issue, or is this literally a light thing. I guess maybe it is obvious, but should I try and filter out any or all light? It looks pretty bad, not sure if it has an effect on the water quality.

 

[landlubber]

Its bio-film and it will accumulate in any water storage tank/ato reservoir. When your storage vessel gets low just use some paper towel to wipe it out and you're golden.

 

[JTP424]

Is it RO water? Or is it mixed salt?
RO - probably biofilm as stated above, empty and wipe it out.
Saltwater- some type of precip, happens to a bunch of people. unless it's throwing your parameters off it might not be an issue.

 

[dR3ws3r]

Is it RO water? Or is it mixed salt?
RO - probably biofilm as stated above, empty and wipe it out.
Saltwater- some type of precip, happens to a bunch of people. unless it's throwing your parameters off it might not be an issue.

it is mixed saltwater. Has a heater and recirculating pump.

 

[dR3ws3r]

It doesn’t wipe off easily. I cleaned it with diluted vinegar a month ago. Rinsed it 10 times and let it dry in the sun for a week. Came back pretty quickly.

 

[Rappa]

My tanks are 65 gallon plastic tanks, in a dark basement fishroom, and have been in-use for 18 months or so. I have a 65G R/O storage tank and a 65G salt-mix storage tank. Both tanks stay filled 99% of the time. The R/O tank is as clean as day 1, and never been cleaned. The salt-mix tank I have cleaned out twice already with hot water, bleach, and brushes... due to the brown film that develops in that tank. It's pretty normal for the salt tank to turn brown after a while.