Diatoms/Brown Algae in established tank

[tubamanandy]

Can anyone give any help advise re Brown Algae/Diatoms in an established tank ?

I've read James' Planted Tank explanation but seems to indicate you are likely to get this with a newly established tank.

The algae is starting to make the plants look mucky - not sure if my Eheim Vacuum will remove it from the plants. They look like they just need a good shake to remove it.

Any help appreciated

 

[Matt Warner]

Hi. Brown algae is normally caused by too much light. What kind of lighting do you have and how long do you have it on for?

 

[tubamanandy]

Could well be an issue I had PAR values 60-100 at base when I looked last week after building a new LED light unit

 

[Matt Warner]

Is there any way that you can dim the LEDs to lower the light levels? Also if the tank is getting too much natural light, this can cause algae too.

 

[tubamanandy]

It is dimmable - I could dial it down to say PAR 60 at the base (no natural light issues) - do you think will help ? Do you also know if the brown algae is easy to remove ?

 

[Matt Warner]

From previous experience it just wipes off plants easily as it is a bit slimy. Remove as much as you can and then do a water change. Lower lighting levels should definitely help. How long contour have then lights on for?

 

[tubamanandy]

Just dropped photoperiod from 7.5hrs to 7 hrs

 

[Rob P]

Diatom dilemma... | UK Aquatic Plant Society

 

[ian_m]

I get brown algae on some leaves of my Glosso that has been grown emmersed after it is first put in my tank. Replanted stuff in the tank doesn't do this, I suspect it is the shock of going from 400ppm CO2 in air to 30ppm in water causing the plant distress. I remove the brown bits, replanting the top and all is generally OK.