brown algae

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Tom Puskar - 17 Jun 2005 17:55 GMT

I have several goldfish tanks and each one has developed what I presume is
brown algae on the sides of the tanks and on some of the artificial plants I
have in them.

I change water about every two weeks because all the tanks are overstocked.
I scrub the algae off but it keeps coming back.

Should I treat with something or is this stuff harmless> Looks like heck
though.

Thanks,

Tom in Howell, NJ

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Elaine T - 17 Jun 2005 20:03 GMT

> I have several goldfish tanks and each one has developed what I presume is
> brown algae on the sides of the tanks and on some of the artificial plants I
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Tom in Howell, NJ

The brown stuff is harmless diatoms blooming on silicates in your
tapwater. Brown algae tends to go away once it's used up the silica,
and then is replaced by green algae. I don't know diatoms even affected
by algicides - I use Otocinclus catfish to eat the stuff in my tropical
tanks.

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Elaine T - 17 Jun 2005 20:07 GMT

>> I have several goldfish tanks and each one has developed what I
>> presume is brown algae on the sides of the tanks and on some of the
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> by algicides - I use Otocinclus catfish to eat the stuff in my tropical
> tanks.

Gah...I don't know whether diatoms are even affected by algicides...

I should not post before I've finished my first cup of coffee. ;-)

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Elaine T __
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bettasngoldfish - 17 Jun 2005 22:46 GMT

Hi Tom, The brown algae you are describing is harmless to your fish
although you may not like the way it looks. Please don't add any
chemicals to your water as they may be more harmful than good. A
decent water change and some elbow grease is all thats needed : )

Maria

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Katra - 17 Jun 2005 22:57 GMT

> Hi Tom, The brown algae you are describing is harmless to your fish
> although you may not like the way it looks. Please don't add any
> chemicals to your water as they may be more harmful than good. A
> decent water change and some elbow grease is all thats needed : )
>
> Maria

Or a pair of Apple snails... ;-)
My snail keeps the Betta tank spotless!

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Geezer From The Freezer - 20 Jun 2005 10:20 GMT

> > Hi Tom, The brown algae you are describing is harmless to your fish
> > although you may not like the way it looks. Please don't add any
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> My snail keeps the Betta tank spotless!
> --

Problem with that us, the original poster said he was overstocked. An Apple
Snail
is about the same load as a goldfish.

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Pet Forum / Aquaria / Goldfish / June 2005

brown algae