Instructions
Control the amount of light in the aquarium tank. If the tank is located close to a window, move it to a darker area where it will receive minimal light. Avoid leaving the tank lights on for periods longer than eight hours per day. The greater the quantity of light the aquarium receives, the faster the growth of brown algae. Consider setting up a timer to control the time when the lights turn on and off. Remember to coincide feedings with the tank lights on, since fish do not eat in the dark.
Regulate the levels of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, which serve as algal nutrients. These elements enter the water from unconsumed fish food, decay of plants in the tank and fish waste. Tap water is a rich source of phosphorus. Change the water in the aquarium at frequent intervals. A 10 percent water change every week will help to prevent these nutrient levels from building up. Avoid adding excess amounts of fish feed into the aquarium. Remove dead fish immediately before there is decay. If you can afford it, use water that has been treated with reverse osmosis or use a filter fitted with a special medium to remove phosphates from the aquarium water.
Always retain a small quantity of algae in your aquarium. If the tank is stripped of all algae during routine cleaning, there is a rapid buildup of nutrients on which the algae feed. This encourages the growth of new algae. When you leave a small amount of algae in the tank, the concentration of these nutrients available is reduced since the existing algae feed on them. This translates into a condition that is less conducive to the growth of new algae. Therefore, avoid making your aquarium squeaky clean. Allow a few coral or rock pieces coated with brown algae to remain undisturbed in the tank at all times.
Install an ultraviolet unit on the aquarium to sterilize the water in the tank. UV light can kill algae cells before they proliferate in the tank. Besides, it also controls the level of bacteria in the aquarium. The lesser the bacterial levels, the lower the concentration of bacterial metabolism products. These metabolic products promote growth of algae. Therefore, controlling their level helps to reduce the concentration of algae in the aquarium.
How to Cure Brown Algae
Brown algae, a common growth in most aquarium tanks, often resists all attempts at removal. This growth is a primitive life-form that thrives on the presence of light and nutrients. Therefore, any effort at curing brown algae has to focus on controlling the level of these factors. At the same time, it is regularly cleaning your aquarium to remove all algae can be counterproductive. Allowing a small portion of brown algae to remain in the tank can, in fact, reduce new growth.