HagenKB

Brown Algae

My marine aquarium is very "young" (4 weeks)and still "ripening". But now is full of brown algae (algae on stones, gravel, dry corals,etc.). Should I try to remove them? Do you have any agent against it?

My marine aquarium is very "young" (4 weeks)and still "ripening". But now is full of brown algae (algae on stones, gravel, dry corals,etc.). Should I try to remove them? Do you have any agent against it?
This is not an area where I feel I have much expertise, although this sort of thing is common. I can only tell you the latest comments I have heard in reference to this. This might actually be bacterial growth rather than an algae. But even with that comment no actual cure was discussed. Brown algae has also been identified with the lack of light in some cases. Whereas a bright green algae usually signified plenty of light. As you can see, there is plenty of conflicting information. If you are running a minimal lighting system, this may be the indication of this.

I think that the brown algae will slowly get overcome with time, assuming more useful bacteria take over the dominant role, the same thing happens with algae, so even if I am wrong and it is algae, you can out-compete it with strong populations of beneficial bacteria.

Now, I am not saying this will be an immediate cure, as bacteria domination does take some time to establish and requires ongoing regular inoculation, but you might want to explore the possibilities of Cycle addition to your aquarium. The least it can do is establish and maintain a healthy bacterial filter of beneficial bacteria to remove ammonia and nitrite as soon as it is produced. But, with the high concentrations of "bugs" you put in every week, the chances are that other bacteria less beneficial to the aquarium, and/or algae such as you describe, will be eliminated as their food supply is used by the inoculated strains increases.

It is just a thought and one I would tend to use for the simple reason that I am very careful in placing any medications, dyes or other products that may be harmful to the overall ecosystem. Cycle [and Waste Control] are naturally occurring beneficial bacteria seen to perform specific jobs in the aquarium that are extremely desirable, as such, they improve the overall environment while having a very minimal chance of creating added problems over time.

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