Brown algae

[pdaddy2]

I've had my tank running for about three months now, stocked with cichlids. 50% weekly water changes. My problem is the brown algae building up on the rocks. Three weeks ago I took all the rocks out and scrubbed the algae off. Now it's all coming back. Is there something I can do to avoid this?
Thanks.

 

[Brookster123]

It's just diatoms, let it play out, it will be gone in no time..

 

[pdaddy2]

So give it a good scrubbing again and it will eventually stop coming back?

 

[venymae]

I left mine alone and took about 2 weeks but it went away on it's own. No scrubbing involved on my end.

 

[pdaddy2]

I just cleaned the too few rocks, hopefully it will stop. Thanks for the advise

 

[Mebbid]

Diatoms are a growing pain for newer aquariums. They will grow until their food source is exhausted, it just takes some time. On a side note, the algae is good for fish

 

[pdaddy2]

Completely spotless Sunday after taking whole tank apart. Now the diatoms are back in less than a week

 

[sealife]

Brown algae needs silicates to survive. Get a silicate tester and test the tank eater and your tap water. Maybe the tap has silicates in it. Also buy a silicates remover if possible to add in your filter. Most silicate removers also remove phosphate so if your tank is planted, dont use or be very careful.
Some gravel also leeches silicates into water.

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