Brown smudges and grubby gravel

[Leigh]

My tank completed cycling about 3 weeks ago when I filled it with 6 guppies. So far the guppies look happy and all seems well, however, I noticed today that the gravel is looking rather dirty. It's white gravel but it's turning brown, secondly, there are brown "smudges" on the inside of the glass. I'm guessing it's some sort of algae. Is this common so soon after starting a brand new tank and is there anything I can do about it?

(I don't have a gravel vacuum, but it's on the list of things to buy.)

 

[Menagerie]

This is common. Is your tank in direct light, or is the tank light on a lot? How often are you doing water changes? Part of what is helping the algae to grow is nourishment from the fish and uneaten food. Get a gravel vac and your problem will be helped!

 

[Leigh]

The tank is near a bright window and the light is on for about 5 hours a day. Water changes are every weekend, about 10-20%.

How do I clean off the brown smudges? Is it just a case of sticking my hand in and rubbing it off or is there something more techical/sophisicated?

By the way, thanks for the speedy response.

 

[Endgame319]

Its not really an algae, its diatoms. You might want to get the tank out of direct sunlight. I use a dish sponge (no I've never used it for dishes) and wipe it off as soon as I see it. It usually goes away with time.

 

[flipz]

You want to be VERY careful with a dish sponge as most come with soap in them, even brand new! Instant fish death. But no, it's not technical at all. If you want to keep your hands dry you can just purchase an algae scrub brush from your LFS for a couple dollars. Or a magnet one (has a brush with magnet, you stick it on the inside glass, and has another magnet for outside glass, and you pull it around) for $10+ if you want something fancy. Real simple. And yes, a gravel vacuum will help you a LOT! As well as larger % water changes once you get that vacuum.

-brent