How to Get Rid of Brown Algae in a Salt Water Tank

Brown algae are marine multicellular algae that include both enormous seaweed from the Northern Hemisphere waters and small formations in household water tanks. Some of the brown algae species are used for food and some are used for commercial purposes. Still, the algae appearing in your salt water tank need to be removed to keep the water clean and clear. Getting rid of brown algae is a process similar to brown algae prevention, and that is removing all the things they need to survive.

Things You'll Need

  • Stiff brush
  • Test kit
  • Soft brush
  • RO / DI water
  • Scrub pad
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Instructions

    • 1

      Change the water in your salt water tank as often as possible. Optimally, change 30 percent of the water at least once a month. By doing this, you will cut the levels of silicates and nitrates in the water, thus removing the two main sources of food for brown algae. During every water change, you should take the opportunity to clean the objects in the tank. Use a stiff cleaning brush to wipe clean different objects from the salt water tank. This will prevent dirt buildup and keep the water clean and clear for longer.

    • 2

      Check the levels of silicates and nitrates using a test kit from an aquarium hobby store. Adjust the salt water in your tank to regulate the levels of silicate and nitrate, which will not only kill the existing brown algae, but prevent more from forming.

    • 3

      Clean the filtration system in the tank to remove all debris and dirt. Use a soft cleaning brush to remove the residue. Rinse all the parts of the filtration system to assure there are no dirt particles left.

    • 4

      Remove all brown algae, scrubbing the tank with a scrub pad. Make sure to reach all the places that brown algae might have occupied. Thoroughly rinse the scrub pad once all the algae have been removed.

    • 5

      Use distilled water for your salt water tank when you pour the extra water to compensate for evaporation. Distilled or RO (reverse osmosis) water is much safer for your tank, since ordinary tap water often has a high silicate content.

    • 6

      Add better and more thorough circulation of air to your salt water tank. Oxygenate the water with an air stone or a pump.

    • 7

      Move your tank away from sunlight, since light is one of those things, beside silicate and nitrate, that brown algae can't live without.