new tank with brown algae appearing

[jodymarie]

Could any one offer advice to me please I set up my 4ft tank about 1 month ago in the last couple of days I have had a brown film appearing on the glass and filter outlet. Just wanted to know what can be done about it if anything.
Thankyou in advance of your expertise

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Sounds like diatoms. Perfectly normal for a new tank and harmless but ugly. They will eventually burn themselves out. No need to clean them off unless you want to.

 

[jodymarie]

Hi there thanks for the quick response I am happy to hear it will clear itself up eventually I see your from Australia too.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Yes. SE QLD.

 

[dmolavi]

You can get some oto's and they will make quick work of the diatomes. You should also check your lighting/feeding..make sure neither is in excess. If you have a phosphate test, check that as well, or take a water sample to a LFS for a test.

BTW, I spent 3 months in Australia about 13 (!) years ago and loved every minute of it. I got to SCUBA on the Great Barrier Reef while staying on Lady Elliot Island, and visit Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. I'm looking forward to making a return trip. You guys have a beautiful country down there.

 

[jodymarie]

Thanks for the advice I will look into the ottos. I have my light on a timer it's on 10 hrs I feed once a day as much as they can eat in about 2 to 3 minutes is either of these things an issue?
Btw Yep I love where I live but like you would love to visit other countries.

 

[Wufghi88]

Your good to go! That's just new tank syndrome , it will pass. Oto's will make short work of it but they are very fragile fish and you might want to wait a while. The phosphate test is a great idea....^^^. Do you have any plants? They will help out with algae in the future too and the phosphates now!

 

[jodymarie]

Ok got you yep I have plants want to get some more but, I'll attach a pic if I can manage it. I'll also look into phosphate tests.
I am really grateful for the feedback and advice

 

[dmolavi]

For a planted aquarium, phosphate should be around 1-2ppm. If you have no plants, you ideally want zero phosphates.

SeaChem PhosGuard did a good job of getting my phosphate levels from off the charts down to 1ppm for my lightly planted tank.

 

[jodymarie]

 

[jodymarie]

Pics to show my tank

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Honestly they will clear on their own. No need for tests or chemicals or removing whatevers. I know I sound like a broken record but they are harmless and will use up their food source and die. It won't take long. A few months at most. Think of them as a step towards having a established aquarium.

 

[jodymarie]

All good I appreciate everybodies advice and support.
cheers from Far North Qld