Hi All,
I'd posted some time ago regarding brown algae (diatoms) that is in my 20 gall tank. Unfortunately, it's still there and getting worse, instead of better.
Increasing the # of hours of light has had no effect on it. The tank is fully cycled and has been for a couple of months, so I'm not sure it's New Tank Syndrome. I'm still doing weekly 50-60% PWC's, thoroughly vacuuming the gravel each time. I've cut back on feeding with no luck. My nitrates are usually between 5 & 10 ppm weekly prior to doing the PWC.
The fish are still doing great (Tetras, Platies, & a DG) but the tank is absolutely embarrassing. It wipes off the glass easily, but is back within a day or two. The silk plants have pretty much turned completely brown, as have the filter intake tube & heater. My frustration level is such that I'm ready to give up, but the fish seem healthy & happy so I keep toughing it out.
I've done a little research & have seen excess silicates listed as a possible cause. Saw that Phos-zorb would reduce excess phosphates & silicates. I was considering this as my next step, going on the assumption that my tap water has excess silicates.......I'm desperate at this point--I want my attractive tank back .
Could Phos-zorb harm the fish? Would this be a good idea or not? I really hated to bring this up again, but I'm really at a loss as to what I might be missing or doing wrong. Hoping someone here has successfully battled this nuisance algae????? Any other thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks again from a VERY frustrated newbie!
I'd posted some time ago regarding brown algae (diatoms) that is in my 20 gall tank. Unfortunately, it's still there and getting worse, instead of better.
Increasing the # of hours of light has had no effect on it. The tank is fully cycled and has been for a couple of months, so I'm not sure it's New Tank Syndrome. I'm still doing weekly 50-60% PWC's, thoroughly vacuuming the gravel each time. I've cut back on feeding with no luck. My nitrates are usually between 5 & 10 ppm weekly prior to doing the PWC.
The fish are still doing great (Tetras, Platies, & a DG) but the tank is absolutely embarrassing. It wipes off the glass easily, but is back within a day or two. The silk plants have pretty much turned completely brown, as have the filter intake tube & heater. My frustration level is such that I'm ready to give up, but the fish seem healthy & happy so I keep toughing it out.
I've done a little research & have seen excess silicates listed as a possible cause. Saw that Phos-zorb would reduce excess phosphates & silicates. I was considering this as my next step, going on the assumption that my tap water has excess silicates.......I'm desperate at this point--I want my attractive tank back .
Could Phos-zorb harm the fish? Would this be a good idea or not? I really hated to bring this up again, but I'm really at a loss as to what I might be missing or doing wrong. Hoping someone here has successfully battled this nuisance algae????? Any other thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks again from a VERY frustrated newbie!