Instructions
Test the water in the aquarium for silicates, which brown algae feed on to grow. Silicates are found in tap water, and they can also be introduced into an aquarium by the sand used to line the aquarium bottom. Replace the sand and water if silicates are found.
Avoid placing the aquarium in direct sunlight. All types of algae, including brown algae, thrive in direct sunlight.
Minimize the nutrients that brown algae feed on. Frequently changing the water in the aquarium and not overfeeding the fish will help reduce the growth of brown algae.
Introduce a variety of fish that feed on algae. Otocinclus catfish, parrotfish and blennies are species that enjoy eating brown algae. Be careful when introducing other algae-eaters, as they might quickly be consumed by other fish in the tank. Do not add snails to the tank, as snails can quickly overpopulate an aquarium.
How Can I Control the Brown Algae in My Aquarium?
Brown algae growth is frequently found in freshwater aquariums that have yet to develop enough of the beneficial bacteria needed to control it. In addition to making the aquarium look dirty and neglected, brown algae can indicate problems with the ecosystem within the aquarium. Although all aquariums have some algae, the healthy variety is typically green. Fortunately, there are several ways to control the growth of brown algae in any aquarium.