![]() Is Brown Algae Harmful?ĭon’t worry, brown algae (Diatoms) are completely harmless to your fish, shrimp, and snails. It’s much more practical to focus on overall plant health and plant dominance in a planted tank to control brown algae. On the other hand, a well-planted, biologically matured aquarium will see no diatoms even with elevated silicates or phosphorous levels. Most tap waters and soils contain silicates, and most aquariums have no lack of them.Ī newly set up planted aquarium with low silicates from the tap water can still suffer from a diatom outbreak. The concepts from surveying natural systems don’t necessarily transfer directly onto how our aquariums work. Many papers show links between phosphates and algae, just as commonly as silica and algae. However, what sets diatoms apart is their need for silica (SiO2) to build their tough outer cell walls. While the name “brown algae” is not quite correct, as true brown algae (Phaeophyceae) mostly don’t occur in freshwater.ĭiatoms are similar to true algae in that they both require light to grow and consume organic waste like nitrates (NO3-) and phosphates (PO4) from the water column. However, sometimes diatom blooms can crop up in established tanks, which is a sign of an imbalance in the tank that needs to be addressed.ĭiatoms are a type of algae in the class Bacillariophyta, and are often referred to as “brown algae” due to their color. Once the nitrogen cycle is up and running, the diatoms will usually disappear on their own. ![]() In low-light tanks, they can form stubborn brown coats on the glass.īrown algae is common in new tanks as the nutrient balance is still being established. During this time, they will coat every surface in the tank, including the substrate, decorations, plant leaves, and even the technical equipment. If you spot a brownish coating on the glass, aquatic plants, or decorations in your tank, you’re looking at Diatoms!ĭiatoms are a normal part of the cycling phase of a new tank, appearing anywhere from one to three weeks after setting it up. Diatoms can be found in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. ![]() This process enables them to form layers and patches that cover various surfaces in the tank. Although they’re not technically considered a “true” species of algae, they behave similarly to plants and algae because they photosynthesize when exposed to light. And get this, they even produce more than 25% of the world’s oxygen through photosynthesis in the oceans! (Unfortunately this doesn’t make your aquarium look any nicer!)ĭiatoms are single-celled organisms that form brown algae layers in aquariums. These yellow-green or brown patches or stringy masses are a member of the algal class Bacillariophyceae, and these diatoms are one of the most ubiquitous algae in the world, found in virtually every freshwater and saltwater body. Read on to learn everything you need to know about brown algae in fish tanks! This brownish coating is caused by diatoms, a type of brown algae. Have you noticed a brownish film on surfaces of your aquarium lately? It’s okay, you’re not alone! This is a common occurrence in newly set-up tanks and it’s nothing to be alarmed about.
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