How do I get rid of brown algae?

[kwan]

My FOWLR tank is having a brown algae bloom. It is very new, about 5 weeks old. My nitrate level is zero and other parameters are good too. I have been removing the brown algae manually by hand and making water changes, but it continues to grow. I have also been very cautious with feeding. So how can I get rid of the brown algae? Will snails or hermit crabs or cleaner shrimps do the job?

 

[firerescue2002]

I had the same problem for a long time until I discovered miracle water also known as RO water. After a few days of water changes with RO and using it as top off water the brown algae started to dissipate. I am sure others will key in their thoughts on the brown algae and RO water.

HTH,
Andrew

 

[Guest]

Guess i've been lucky...i use well water and no problems yet...however i'm not taking any chances..I'm switching to RO..hehe

 

[kwan]

I am already using RO.

 

[reefrunner69]

Diatom blooms are common in new tanks, the diatoms will crash once they've burned up whatever nutrients they are feeding on, usually take 2-3 weeks, if the tank is cycled you can add some herbivorous snails and they should mop them up pretty good.

 

[firerescue2002]

I am already using RO.

OOPS!!! That's what you get for assuming

Sorry,
Andrew

 

[ericosuave]

yeah just give it some time and it should die off after all the nutrients have been used.. just as reefrunner said.

 

[Mrbill]

I had the same problem. I got some snails (thanks Kevin!) and they've been doing a great job with brown algae. 5 sand sifting snails (not sure what they are specifically), and 3 turbos.

For now, I'm still using tap water.

 

[kwan]

Many thanks for all your inputs! I shall get more snails!!

 

[got bait?]

5 sand sifting snails (not sure what they are specifically

Probably Nasarrius snails. Do they have a proboscus that extends out of the sand when they dig around. They're pretty quick too, for a snail anyways.

 

[Mrbill]

Yup, that's them. They are fast! I wasn't sure what they were because they're so large. I think they are giant nassarius snails or something like that, the LFS just called them sand sifting snails.