There are a few different types of "brown" algae. You are most likely experiencing a bloom of diatoms or dinoflagellates, but could also possibly be some form of cyanobacteria. Cutting the lights back to 4 hours a day or less will limit the growth of any algae. The algae is growing becase of the excess nutrients produced during the tank cycle. For the next couple of months you will most likely go through various stages of algae blooms. This is normal and your tank will require time to reach a balance. If indeed you do currently have a diatom bloom then I would not worry about it too much as it should pass within a week or so and be overtaken with another type of undesirable algae.
I would definetly advise against the use of any chemical or antibiotic algae remover. Products like this will likely do more harm than good.
Controlling nuisance algae in the long term is a battle that must be fought on many fronts.
- The use of reverse osmosis/deionized water,
- running activated carbon,
- growing competing macro algae in a refugium,
- the use of herbivores including fish, crabs, snails,
- protein skimming,
- maintaining correct levels of ph & alkalinity,
- removal of deterious,
- regular water changes
are just a few ways to limit the growth of undesirable algae.
There are two ways to post images in a thread.
1. click on the "Manage Attachments" button and a pop up window will open allowing you to upload up to 5 images at once. Your pop up blocker is probably blocking this window. You should have an option somewhere that says "Allow pop ups from this website". If so, then select this option. What browser are you using?
2. you can include images that have already been posted on the web by using the "Insert Image" icon and providing the url of the image.
If you are still having problems you can email the images to me and I'll be happy to post them for you.
Hope this helps.
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