Brown Algae

So....anyone have any thoughts on brown algae on in my substrate?

Brown(silicon) algae is usually found in new setups. Because the filter and substrate have not yet matured. Usually disappears after a few weeks when the tank has matured.

When is it considered matured? It is almost 3 months old.

I believe the brown algae (someone correct me if I'm wrong) is actually diatoms.
I had a couple of mature tanks that still had it on the glass and found that the baby
BN will feed on it, but when I added a zebra nerite snail or to the tank, it's gone and not come back.

Definitely diatoms. From what I've read....there are many causes. Anything from my local tap water to the fact that it is still a fairly new tank to lighting conditions. It happened very quickly. I'd like to know what caused it.

rkraposa wrote:When is it considered matured? It is almost 3 months old.

Some of my tanks are 7 years old and I still get it! That's why I like to keep a supply of bristlenose.

Never heard of that??

Yep, those Bristlenose sure do love that stuff.

Bristlenose, or another 'compatible' algae eater will do the trick!

limiting the light cycle will also help keep it under control. My lights are only on for 12 hours a day, max, but I still have it onthe rocks... They eat it, at times, so I don't bother trying to get rid of it; I just keep the glass clean so I can see into the tank.