Brown algae can be a tasty meal for the fishes you decide to take care of in your fish tank. But they can also be an awful thing to see in your tank.
When the aquarium owners talk discuss brown algae, they are trying to explain diatoms. These are small brownish or greenish creature that has glassy skeletons.
Oftentimes, these diatoms are not good looking. That is the reason most tank owners want to get rid of them. Yet, this can be a difficult task if you don’t know how it should be done.
Thankfully, in this article, we have discussed the best ways to get rid of brown algae in your fish tank.
But firstly, let’s check out more about brown algae and how they do usually get inside a fish tank. So read on!
Table of Contents
What are Diatoms or Brown Algae?
Brown algae which are otherwise called diatoms can be extremely difficult to eliminate from the aquarium.
To worsen the situation, brown algae looks horrible and can be highly dangerous for your fish.
Diatom is a unicellular organism that has a brown color and a bony structure that is primarily comprised of silicon nitrate.
Diatoms or brown algae develop in fish tanks with high nitrates level and sometimes those with high levels of silicon. Algae can likewise assume control over the aquarium when the lighting is too weak or too high for a tank.
The two major differences between diatoms and regular algae are that the latter don’t devour silicates and that they can be annihilated by eliminating the nitrates or putting off the light.
The issue many people have with regards to diatoms is that regardless of the number of hours or days you leave the lights off, it doesn’t stop the operation of diatom. And if you could by one means or another evacuate majority of the nitrates from the fish tank, the diatoms would devour silicates also.
How Does Brown Algae Get Into an Aquarium?
To say the fact, the diatoms didn’t actually get into your aquarium, or as it were it didn’t show up out of the blue and simply hitch a ride. The diatoms in your aquarium don’t come from the other vegetation, the fish itself, or the fish food.
Any algae that may show up in your fish tank, regardless of whether they are green, brown or white, show up because it has always resided in the water and just required an opportunity to grow.
Seeing as the diatoms found in your aquarium is a kind of microalgae, implying that it is small, it is save to have the assumption that it has always existed in the water. All water comprises microscopic organisms, micronutrients, and microalgae as well.
The reason we have never notice the presence of algae in our toilets or in our drinking water is because it does not get an opportunity to grow.
Wherever water is treated with different chemicals that eliminate most microorganisms, the primary one being chlorine. Chlorine, however, doesn’t have the potentials to eliminate microalgae and therefore it is usually present in the water supply.
The Best Way to Remove Brown Algae
Discussed below are some of the ideal ways to eliminate brown algae in your fish tank. Majority of these strategies aim to cut the supply of nutrient for brown algae, therefore preventing its future growth in your aquarium.
1. Remove the water in your tank
Remove about twenty percent of the water inside your tank with the use of aquarium siphon. Make sure that you shift the siphon through the gravel or substrate to eliminate the fish waste that can serve as food for the brown algae.
Make use of reverse osmosis or deionized water to change the water inside your fish tank. The two methods make use of water that doesn’t contribute supplements that promote the growth of algae since it has been filtered in a special way.
2. Introduce phosphate adsorption resin
These are chemical filter mediums in the form of pellets or filter pads that are used for eliminating phosphates and silicates from the aquarium that help to starve the brown algae more.
3. Mounting an ultraviolet sterilizer
You can install a UV sterilizer outside the aquarium to eliminate the brown algae. The rays produced by the sterilizer are just like normal sunlight and can’t harm fish or plant life but will kill bacteria and algae found in the water inside your aquarium.
4. Put an animal that enjoys eating algae
A couple of aquatic animal species are always excited at the presence of algae including the suckermouth fish or the Siamese algae eater fish.
For the saltwater fish tanks, you can put snails that eat algae, for example, the margarita snail. Such creatures work like vacuums and completely devour the algae off the aquarium walls, ornaments, and rocks.
5. Monitoring the nitrate level
You can keep the level of nitrate in your aquarium under control by including a few drops of vodka inside the water. The dosing of vodka should always be monitored because it can hurt the fish.
Keeping the level of nitrate low is one of the best methods of removing algae from your fish tank.
6. Physically getting rid of accumulated brown algae
Physically getting rid of the amassed brown algae from your aquarium is a standout amongst the best approaches to eliminate it.
You can evacuate the brown algae using either suction or your hand. The brown algae spread quickly if abandoned in the tank and will be difficult to eliminate.
7. Cleaning filters
Regular cleansing of the filter ensures consistent flow of neat water free from silicates and nitrates.
You should always replace the fish water to keep it completely clear and also clean your fish tank routinely. Clean the fish tank more frequently if you notice that the algae are becoming an issue.
What Causes Brown Algae, How To Get Rid of Brown Algae
Conclusion
The reality of the matter is that brown algae and its consistent growth can be an undeniable irritation, especially for aquarium owners. What you have to do is to ensure that your fish tank is clean always.
So, you need to change the water tank frequently and evacuate all the key factors that contribute to the growth of algae. Also, prompt regard for the vertical development of brown algae will secure your aquarium from more serious problems.
I am a librarian in an elementary school and we have a Betta mascot (Mr. Bookman) in a small (2gal) tank. Having a lot of issues, suddenly, with brown algae. Never used to..always used tap water with a conditioner for my water changes. I read that using distilled water, while not great for other fish, was fine for Bettas so I thought I would try that to control the algea. I am also utilizing “silicate absorbing resin” with the filter. Would vodka also be a good idea? How much would I use considering my small tank? Any other thoughts for me and Mr. Bookman?
Many thanks
Mr. Bookman is a great name for a Betta. Getting brown algae in small tanks is pretty normal and actually means that your water quality is hospitable for aquatic life. Your tap water may simply have high concentrations of nutrients which are fueling algae growth.
Adding distilled water may help a little but I would get some snails. Ramshorn and Nerite snails are often considered pests by aquarists, but they will eat away all the algae, given enough time. Also, adding some Java moss and Java fern (both low light and hard to kill) to the tank may help keep the algae in check.
Water Temperature and Algae: Studying my latest venture into an aquarium, I have come to the conclusion that water temperature is a mighty contributing factor as concerns brown algae. In spring and summer, my house temp runs around 76% in spite of air conditioning… I have a box fan trained on the tank to dismiss gas build-up which also blows cool air from the wall vent, but in warm weather, the water still stays warm, and you can just feel the problem with your bare hand and arm. In spite of everything, the warmth alone easily serves for slick and algae growth. With warm water, a little sunshine and water changes, wipe-downs — conditioner, the brown algae is still there, especially on my live plants (pathos) which are not doing so well under algae. I don’t like it! The effect on my plants alone… However, I know with fall and winter — cooler house temperatures — my aquarium will sparkle. It just makes sense. Windy dialog — thanks for being there, Vicki
We have a relatively new biorb 20l tank (8 weeks) and everything has been fine but recently the plants (not live plants) have been turning browny green and the water is getting murky and occasional brown spots on the tank side and the top gravel has definitely changed colour to brown.
Is this definitely brown algae?
Have taken some of the big stones out and tried to clean but can’t seem to get them back to their colour and it won’t come off some of the plants.
Got the water test kits and says everything is fine; we use filtered water to change the tank and have been using water optimiser.
We did move the tank from a location with very little natural light to a place near the window (but blinds are down most the day) but I read that natural light is good to get rid of brown algae?
Help or advice appreciated!
Down near where the gravel line is. There is a line across back of the tank that looks like black mole or extremely dark brown algae. My tank is 36 gallon. I added two algae eaters. How do I get rid of this? I also plan to get a long handle scrub brush to see if that will work also. Any advise will help.
Fantastic post. Thanks! Been dealing with brown diatoms for about 4 months now, right after I planted the tank right before Christmas. IT’s a Fluval Spec III (just under 3 gallons) with a Betta and two nerve snails. Substrate is Seachem Fluorite Black. It’s planted with a small patch of Crypt, 3 big, healthy clumps of Anubias Nana, and some Christmas moss. I’ve got Mopani wood in there. Not a high tech tank; just using Seachem Excel to get some CO2 in there, but it hasn’t controlled the algae.
When a leaf on the anubias or crypt are coated with diatoms, I just pluck it off. But the Christmas moss, which used to be lush and gorgeous, is now just weighed down with brown icky diatoms. Is it salvageable? Is the substrate the problem? I’ve vacuumed it as much as I can. I could see a solid brown coating. At first I thought it was from the wood somehow shedding…. but now I’m pretty sure it’s diatoms.
I do frequent water changes, only feed what’s necessary, use Prime with water changes, keep the leaves trimmed… what am I doing wrong? It’s been four months now…
And oh yeah, the lighting is a Finnex Stingray, and the tank is heated. I use Purigen in the filter along with carbon. I keep it lit about 8 hours a day. My tank is cycled with nitrates are hang around 0.25 PPM. Nitrites 0. Ammonia 0. pH is about 7.2, which is weird, because my other tank, Fluval Spec V, is always around 7.8. (Maybe it’s because there is more wood in the little one.)
Sorry for the long winded question. I’m a writer that decidedly needs an editor.
Brown algae which are otherwise called diatoms can be extremely difficult to eliminate from the aquarium. 
I am a librarian in an elementary school and we have a Betta mascot (Mr. Bookman) in a small (2gal) tank. Having a lot of issues, suddenly, with brown algae. Never used to..always used tap water with a conditioner for my water changes. I read that using distilled water, while not great for other fish, was fine for Bettas so I thought I would try that to control the algea. I am also utilizing “silicate absorbing resin” with the filter. Would vodka also be a good idea? How much would I use considering my small tank? Any other thoughts for me and Mr. Bookman?
Many thanks
Hi Gina,
Mr. Bookman is a great name for a Betta. Getting brown algae in small tanks is pretty normal and actually means that your water quality is hospitable for aquatic life. Your tap water may simply have high concentrations of nutrients which are fueling algae growth.
Adding distilled water may help a little but I would get some snails. Ramshorn and Nerite snails are often considered pests by aquarists, but they will eat away all the algae, given enough time. Also, adding some Java moss and Java fern (both low light and hard to kill) to the tank may help keep the algae in check.
Hope that helps.
-Kevin (zenaquaria.com)
Hi. Brown algae problem. I clean and part change the tank water often. But within a week It’s back. It gets everywhere. Help! Thanks, Shaun.
Ramshorn and Nerite snails are often considered pests by aquarists, but they will eat away all the algae, given enough time.
Snails are your friend!
Water Temperature and Algae: Studying my latest venture into an aquarium, I have come to the conclusion that water temperature is a mighty contributing factor as concerns brown algae. In spring and summer, my house temp runs around 76% in spite of air conditioning… I have a box fan trained on the tank to dismiss gas build-up which also blows cool air from the wall vent, but in warm weather, the water still stays warm, and you can just feel the problem with your bare hand and arm. In spite of everything, the warmth alone easily serves for slick and algae growth. With warm water, a little sunshine and water changes, wipe-downs — conditioner, the brown algae is still there, especially on my live plants (pathos) which are not doing so well under algae. I don’t like it! The effect on my plants alone… However, I know with fall and winter — cooler house temperatures — my aquarium will sparkle. It just makes sense. Windy dialog — thanks for being there, Vicki
We have a relatively new biorb 20l tank (8 weeks) and everything has been fine but recently the plants (not live plants) have been turning browny green and the water is getting murky and occasional brown spots on the tank side and the top gravel has definitely changed colour to brown.
Is this definitely brown algae?
Have taken some of the big stones out and tried to clean but can’t seem to get them back to their colour and it won’t come off some of the plants.
Got the water test kits and says everything is fine; we use filtered water to change the tank and have been using water optimiser.
We did move the tank from a location with very little natural light to a place near the window (but blinds are down most the day) but I read that natural light is good to get rid of brown algae?
Help or advice appreciated!
Down near where the gravel line is. There is a line across back of the tank that looks like black mole or extremely dark brown algae. My tank is 36 gallon. I added two algae eaters. How do I get rid of this? I also plan to get a long handle scrub brush to see if that will work also. Any advise will help.
Thanks
Fantastic post. Thanks! Been dealing with brown diatoms for about 4 months now, right after I planted the tank right before Christmas. IT’s a Fluval Spec III (just under 3 gallons) with a Betta and two nerve snails. Substrate is Seachem Fluorite Black. It’s planted with a small patch of Crypt, 3 big, healthy clumps of Anubias Nana, and some Christmas moss. I’ve got Mopani wood in there. Not a high tech tank; just using Seachem Excel to get some CO2 in there, but it hasn’t controlled the algae.
When a leaf on the anubias or crypt are coated with diatoms, I just pluck it off. But the Christmas moss, which used to be lush and gorgeous, is now just weighed down with brown icky diatoms. Is it salvageable? Is the substrate the problem? I’ve vacuumed it as much as I can. I could see a solid brown coating. At first I thought it was from the wood somehow shedding…. but now I’m pretty sure it’s diatoms.
I do frequent water changes, only feed what’s necessary, use Prime with water changes, keep the leaves trimmed… what am I doing wrong? It’s been four months now…
And oh yeah, the lighting is a Finnex Stingray, and the tank is heated. I use Purigen in the filter along with carbon. I keep it lit about 8 hours a day. My tank is cycled with nitrates are hang around 0.25 PPM. Nitrites 0. Ammonia 0. pH is about 7.2, which is weird, because my other tank, Fluval Spec V, is always around 7.8. (Maybe it’s because there is more wood in the little one.)
Sorry for the long winded question. I’m a writer that decidedly needs an editor.
Check your phosphate level I got rid of my phosphates brown algae has really come down