Brown Algae

[trhixon]

So I got this brown algae that showed up in my tank..... 14 gallon biocube

I had a battle with the red cynobacteria and the local shop gave me chemiclean.

I used phosphate afterwards (they recommend topping with tap water and prime).

So, I then purchased a bunch of mexican hermit craps and 3 sand sifting snails....no luck
any thoughts?

I do realize I need to purchase an RO unit to filter my water.

 

[tcreeftank]

You can try a 3 day lights out period after suctioning out as much as you can. I would recommend finding a LFS that sells RO and salt water instead of using tap water. I Would try to avoid tap water at all costs. Try the lights out and let me know if it helps...

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Can you tell us more about your system (equipment and bioload), water change habits, water parameters and feeding schedule?

 

[Furiousreefer]

+1 with lights out for a few days and also try to increase water movement a bit.

 

[trhixon]

lights out and installed another flow pump. Much much better....now to search for RO DI that is affordable

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Since it is just a 14 gallon tank,you can use distilled water until you find/save for a decent RO/DI unit.

 

[YVR]

Algae problems are usually caused by aquarium water with excess nutrients like phosphate, nitrates etc. You can try and siphon out what you can to remove the algae in the short term. In the long term you may have to examine how you care for your tank. There are some commercial dry foods also contain excess nutrients and other undesirable things like nitrates, phosphates etc so I strain/rinse my fresh/frozen foods before feeding my tank. You may want to consider feeding your fish less often. Also, changing your photo period, light bulbs more flow, using RO/DI water and a high quality salt with little if any NO3, phosphates etc like Tropic Marin may help too. Adding a phosphate remover and increasing flow in your tank may help too.

 

[dirtycontour]

If you go lights out for a few days the cyano will disappear only to come back a few days later. The problem is excess nutrients, as mentioned above. What is your maintenance routine. Specifics please.

In your pics, is the bottom of your substrate black or is that just shadowing?