Will brown algae/diatoms kill my new plants

[porksauce]

Hi, I had an aquarium when I was younger but always wanted a planted tank.
I picked low light plants, bought a 7 gallon tank a little over 3 weeks ago. I noticed that after my nitrites which were at about 5 for while came down to 0 that I suddenly had brown and even some green algae on my plants and my tank walls. It doesn't seem to be getting any worse at the moment and seems to have stabilized for the last few days.

I was wondering if this will harm my plants?
Also, how long should it be before it clears up?
Do I need to remove it from the leaves or will it just go away?

Plant(s) affected:
Java Fern, Aubias, and an unknown new plant I could use help identifying?

Tank size/volume:
7 Gallon

Lighting/wpg
18" 5500k about 2 watts per gallon

Do you inject CO2? If so do you know the level?
no

What do pH, KH, PO4, NH3 and/or NO3 test kits say?
PH 8.4
Ammonia between 0 and .25
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0

Dosing? What/how much/how often?
No

Heavily, moderately, or lightly planted?
Good question, I guess lightly

Fish stock
1 Betta
3 Peppered Corys

Tank Location (near windows - in direct sunlight)?
No, other side of room

How long has tank been set up?
Little over 3 weeks

 

[blert]

Yes, it will effect the plants if they are so covered that they can't get any light. Good thing is that diatoms just brush right off, just use your fingers.
There is no telling when the diatoms will go away, could be a week could be much longer. Give your plants a good dusting right before you do your PWC.

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

Diatoms usually subside on its own after a while. However, if you get an otocinclus or two, they'll gobble that stuff up in no time!

 

[Rivercats]

A few little nerites, especially the horned nerites are quick little algae eaters who love diatoms and they can't breed in freshwater so they are perfect.