Brown algea

turbo2023 · May 15, 2023

Hello, I am new to this hobby. I have a 13.5 gallon tank that I've had set up for about 3 months. It keeps getting this smelly brown algea looking stuff all over my rock and sand bed. I use tap water with tap water conditioner. My ph is kind of low but I'm not sure how to raise it or if that's what's causing the brown stuff. I clean it out and it seems to be back by the next day. I attached a picture. It doesnt show it on this picture but its everywhere! Any help would be appreciated!

LiLinka · May 15, 2023

Im going to give you some recommendations. that looks to be bacterial dinos. you can siphon it or add some beneficial bacteria to help fight it. what are your nitrates and phosphates? the issue could be due to an imbalance in these 2 parameters. if you planning on adding coral I would do a significant water change because corals like close to 0 TDS. Tap water is filled with contaminants. that's why people use RODI. hope this helps!

ptrick21186 · May 15, 2023

First step is to invest in an RO unit. Tap water is just gonna give you headaches.

turbo2023 · May 15, 2023

LiLinka said:
Im going to give you some recommendations. that looks to be bacterial dinos. you can siphon it or add some beneficial bacteria to help fight it. what are your nitrates and phosphates? the issue could be due to an imbalance in these 2 parameters. if you planning on adding coral I would do a significant water change because corals like close to 0 TDS. Tap water is filled with contaminants. that's why people use RODI. hope this helps!

Thanks for your recommendations. Can you tell me what beneficial bacteria I can get? My nitrates and phosphates are very low. I will invest in some equipment for water. Thanks again!