brown substrate

vsny2k5 · 08-24-2005, 10:35 AM

I've had my african cichild tank for about 2 months, and I'm starting to notice that my crushed coral has brown things growing on them. Is it merely algae? or should I check my nitrate level?

Chazwick · 08-24-2005, 10:55 AM

It may have nothing to do with your nitrate... but i'd suggest checking it anyway! I check all my water levels weekly

Also, is your tank in direct sunlight or right outside/facing a window? It probably is just algea... and you an get plenty of things to clear that up.
Whether it's a algea-eating fish, a snail (which i recommend entirely) or some chemicals.

Good luck.

euRasian32 · 08-24-2005, 01:48 PM

I agree, probably algae. Common in most newly developed tanks. I get it constantly with my tank, which has been up and running going on three months. I'm starting to get that bright green algae too.

Are you getting it on the glass also?

IloveCichlids · 08-24-2005, 02:12 PM

I had the same problem with my cruched coral also, I just stirred it up a little when I did the vacuuming. Get the brown stuff to the bottom where there is less light and the algae should die off. The trade off comes when the stuff on top gets brown, then just do it again, it worked for me anyway. A snail might help but will not get in all the cracks and crevices that the crushed coral may have.

**Damon** · 08-25-2005, 06:37 AM

There is an algae link in the aquatic plants section that identifies (no pics yet) and tells you how to treat various algaes.

Stix87 · 08-25-2005, 07:37 AM

I hate the brown algea. Looks tacky to me. I actually like the bright green algea. My 10g had an entire rock covered with a thick carpet like coat of green algea but it only grew on the rock, never on the gravel/glass/plants. It was very very nice. It gave the rock a nice Natural look

. Most likely like all the other ppl said ita algea, just research what kind and try to treat it.

08-24-2005, 10:35 AM	#1
vsny2k5 Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Age: 22 Posts: 1 User Feedback: (0)	brown substrate I've had my african cichild tank for about 2 months, and I'm starting to notice that my crushed coral has brown things growing on them. Is it merely algae? or should I check my nitrate level?

08-24-2005, 10:55 AM	#2
Chazwick <3 Break it... Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Inside Your Skull <3 Age: 17 Posts: 404 User Feedback: (0)	It may have nothing to do with your nitrate... but i'd suggest checking it anyway! I check all my water levels weekly Also, is your tank in direct sunlight or right outside/facing a window? It probably is just algea... and you an get plenty of things to clear that up. Whether it's a algea-eating fish, a snail (which i recommend entirely) or some chemicals. Good luck. __________________ In my dreams I’m dying all the time, As I wake it’s kaleidoscopic mind, I never meant to hurt you, I never meant to lie, So this is goodbye, This is goodbye, Tell the truth you never wanted me, Tell me, In my dreams I’m jealous all the time, As I wake I’m going out of my mind, Going out of my mind... ♥

08-24-2005, 01:48 PM	#3
euRasian32 Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Virginia Age: 33 Posts: 751 User Feedback: (2)	I agree, probably algae. Common in most newly developed tanks. I get it constantly with my tank, which has been up and running going on three months. I'm starting to get that bright green algae too. Are you getting it on the glass also? __________________ “Corporations pay people just enough money so they won’t quit. People work just enough so they don’t get fired. What's that about?” – Christopher Walken, Pool Hall Junkies

08-24-2005, 02:12 PM	#4
IloveCichlids Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: St. Louis, MO Age: 29 Posts: 456 User Feedback: (0)	I had the same problem with my cruched coral also, I just stirred it up a little when I did the vacuuming. Get the brown stuff to the bottom where there is less light and the algae should die off. The trade off comes when the stuff on top gets brown, then just do it again, it worked for me anyway. A snail might help but will not get in all the cracks and crevices that the crushed coral may have. __________________ When you feel like this... , just watch your fish, & have a tasty beverage (of your choice, I like Kool-Aid)!

08-25-2005, 06:37 AM	#5
Damon Aquatic Naturalist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dayton, Ohio Age: 32 Posts: 14,982 User Feedback: (0)	There is an algae link in the aquatic plants section that identifies (no pics yet) and tells you how to treat various algaes. __________________ For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Member of the AGA (Aquatic Gardner's Association) Member of the IBC (International Betta Congress)

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08-25-2005, 07:37 AM	#6
Stix87 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tampa Fl Age: 20 Posts: 110 User Feedback: (0)	I hate the brown algea. Looks tacky to me. I actually like the bright green algea. My 10g had an entire rock covered with a thick carpet like coat of green algea but it only grew on the rock, never on the gravel/glass/plants. It was very very nice. It gave the rock a nice Natural look. Most likely like all the other ppl said ita algea, just research what kind and try to treat it.

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