red stuff on everything

[bapski]

im assuming its algae. i have a scheduled water change this weekend. can i take out all decors and clean them in tap water?

are there freshwater snails that i can get to help rid of this problem?

thanks.

 

[sudz]

Oto's usually do a good job at getting rid of these. They worked for me. Someone told me that the red is "diatomes"? (Correct me if i'm wrong.)

Pictures help alot!

 

[rich311k]

If it comes off easily like a powder it is diatoms. They will go away by themselves. They are very common in new tanks. Ottos love to eat them.

 

[malkore]

is thsi algae reddish brown, and very powder like, or is it red and slimey?