dealing with brown algae

[AccioClownFish]

Im pretty sure i am dealing with some hardcore diatoms in a newly cycled tank. My tank is 4 months old and ive been dealing with the brown algae since august.

Aside from regular water changes is there anything else i can do?

I use R/O water, do not over-feed and do a weekly water change of 1 gal (13 gal tank). I have 2 fish, 2 astrea snails, 3 hermits and 1 emerald crab plus a bunch of corals. Ammonia and Nitrates are 0 and ph is 8.2

Ive been scrubbing the rocks and i stir up the sand bed to get rid of the slimy brown stuff (although it comes back in force within minutes). Should i be doing this? Am i making it worse by stirring the sand?

Is there anything i can put in my filter to help? Currently running Chemi pure elite and purigen with filter floss. Protein skimmer as well.

I am a clean freak so this is killing me! I look at my once beautiful tank and cry...

Any words of comfort or wisdom would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[mich2599]

Do you only use RO? Or RODI?

 

[AccioClownFish]

I think it's just r/o water

 

[mich2599]

Do you make it or do you buy it?

If it makes you feel better I had diatoms for a month or so then cyano for like 2 months. I had various cleanup crew and scrubbed as much cyano as I could during water changes. Diatoms are just the start of the “uglies”.

 

[AccioClownFish]

I buy it from a local water store

 

[mich2599]

I would ask if it is just RO or RODI. I just prefer to make my own.

 

[Wirat]

Check the TDS of the water you are using. That is pretty much always the source of brown algae. Good luck!

 

[AccioClownFish]

What is TDS?

 

[Mikedawg]

Total dissolved solids; many RO/DI systems come with a built in meter to monitor it or you can buy a handheld instrument to measure.

A pic would help members better identify and offer solutions to your problem; there are several types of "brown" algae and it may just be the start of "uglies" as mitch mentioned above.