Brown Algae in Fresh Water Fish Tank

Question

I have 2 tanks and I cannot stop the one nearest the window from having a filter covered inside with brown algae (bio cartridge, coal, and sponge). The filter isnt the problem because I believe aquaclear makes a quality filter and never had this problem in my other tank. The tank has no algae whatsoever inside the tank, just in the filter. I have the tank light on 10 hours a day which is not excessive, so I believe the culprit is the light commming through the window even though my blinds are closed. Any suggestions how to rid this problem without moving the tank?

Answer 1

i think i know what you're talking about.

i had the same problem too.

i just removed the filter to clean it.

get a new cartridge. cartridges need to be changed once in a wile.

Answer 2

I had the same problem with my fish. What was happening was that they were pooping so much that it turned into algae. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!... But maybe that is what is happening with your fish.

Answer 3

That isn't algae, that's the bacteria that are basically keeping your fish alive.  Removing it will lead to ammonia spikes soon after, and eventually nitrite spikes.  Unless it is preventing the water from flowing through the filter, there is no need to remove it.

Answer 4

Go to a pet store and buy some drops or tablets that control algae growth. I had brown algae in one of my tanks that is by my window and I used Tank Buddies No More Algae tablets. They worked great and my tank has been algae free ever since!

Answer 5

place it somewhere darker

Answer 6

My AC's get the same way. It is just like a brown algae or diatoms. It can usually be cause from the excess in nutrients, and since the filter tube will not get plenty of light, brown algae can grow in low lights. Best thing to do is get yourself a pipe cleaning tool or a toothbrush, and scrub the inside of the tubes. It will not harm your fish in any way, so don't worry about it too much..