brownish redish resadue all over my fish tank. Its on all the sides of my tank and all over the gravel and plants. Does anyone know what that is?
2007-02-07 08:53:34 · 17 answers · asked by Jill R 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
It could be an infestation of cyanobacteria, a slimy growth that grows more rapidly than algae. It may be green, blue, black or red in color. Unlike algae, cyanobacteria is extremely easy to remove but very difficult to control. Even if every bit is removed, it can quickly grow back in only a few days. It could also be a form of algae. Whether it's cyanobacteria or algae, these things may be unsightly to human eyes, but they are not dangerous or bad for aquariums, and quite to the contrary are good for aquariums. It may sound strange, but the cleaner an aquarium is, the more algae will grow. This is a difficult concept to understand. It is important to remember that algae growth is a natural, normal process in any aquarium. All aquariums grow algae in one form or another. Some algae grows naturally in all ponds, lakes, rivers and oceans. If a section of the ocean floor is swept completely clean of life by a hurricane, the first organism to start growing back is algae. When you clean your aquarium and all of the decorations thoroughly, you leave no algae behind. In this bright, squeaky-clean environment, algae grows back more rapidly than it would if you left a small amount of algae somewhere in the tank. This is especially true in saltwater aquariums, where the bright white coral and gravel reflect more light, causing algae to grow faster. The reason for this is that if there is no algae left in the tank, there is no competition for nutrients that the algae feeds on. If you leave a few rocks or pieces of coral in a tank with a good growth of algae on them, that algae will consume nutrients in the water, which helps to control new growth. Read the article for info on controlling algae, but remember, always leave a little in your tank.
2007-02-07 10:15:08 · answer #1 · answered by Venice Girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No diatoms, algae geesh.
No need to waste money of chemicals or this pad or that pad. It comes from an excess of phosphates and nitrates in the water. The most common source of that is uneaten fish food. Best cure is to do a few big water changes back to back. Change about 50% every other day for a few days then 25-30% every week. Be sure to clean the gravel with a gravel vac as you change the water and within a week or two there will be practically none of the algae left. You might want to reduce the amount you are feeding just a touch, that should solve the problem in no time.
Best of luck - MM
2007-02-07 10:16:04 · answer #2 · answered by magicman116 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A rust color on the glass, gravel, and decorations is probably brown algae. Try shutting off your lighta at night...you may want a compatable algae eating fish(I can advise if you tell us what kind of cichlids you have) I fits turning the water rust color that is probably a staining from an ornament or a bacterial bloom.Remove any decorations that resemble the color of the water...and do a partial water change...you may also add some activated carbon to your filter or change filters(you haven't provided filter info either) Carbon will remove some of the color. If you need more help feel free to email me.
2016-05-24 04:07:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
We too faced the similar problem. Then when we called in for professional help, we were told that the fish food is responsible for this. We were using the fish food which comes as reddish brown granules and we were pampering our fish with excess food (These granules are given to the fish to improve or maintain their bright colors -in case of brightly colored fish). This excess leaves the color in the water and also remains as a residue at the bed. We were advised to use the fish food which comes as flakes and also were asked to put just sufficient quantity for the fish to eat, no excess feed (the fish would consume the required feed in just about 15-20 mins., the remaining should be treated as excess). Also we were asked to clean the fish tank (we had to scrub & clean the whole tank including every single pebble) and ensure that the filter is cleaned and is working properly.
PS: We do give our fish (brightly colored Gold Fish) the granules once or twice in a week.
:) DB
2007-02-08 18:35:16 · answer #4 · answered by D Bhowmick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is excess of iron in water, you can check it easily. Just put some of this wet brown material on a white cotton cloth let it dry and see the rust spot.
You have to change the water source, clean your tank and then fill it up with 75 % new water accordingly and check further .
2007-02-08 05:15:37 · answer #5 · answered by arup b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's algae. Get a sponge (only use it in fish tank) and wipe down the glass. Do a partial water change. Don't have your lights on for as long and maybe invest in getting an algae eater!!!
2007-02-07 09:40:00 · answer #6 · answered by HK 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are diatoms. They're not bad for the tank except for the way they look. Those magnetic glass cleaners work really well (get the floating ones!), but they scare the fish. If you get a Pleco or Otocinclus, they will eat the algae and clear it up for you.
2007-02-07 09:31:35 · answer #7 · answered by Ms. K. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like an Algae bloom. Do a 50% water change immediately and then do a 20% in a couple days, and repeat until it's gone
2007-02-07 08:58:03 · answer #8 · answered by Ryan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is brown algae, and plain and simple, place a phosporius pad in the filter and it will clear in a week. Tired of telling everyone this.
2007-02-07 08:57:43 · answer #9 · answered by danielle Z 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's diatoms, or 'brown algae.' It's harmless. It's a symptom of newer aquariums.
2007-02-07 09:01:03 · answer #10 · answered by Tazwell 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋