Brown Feathery Algae

:-/ I was gone for a couple weeks, when I returned I had quite a bit of Algae build up on glass. On the back glass algae seemed to be feathery. I cleaned glass (this was 2 weeks ago) I am cleaning glass every 4 days now, as soon as algae appears it has a brown feathery apperance that is noticeable in current passing over it.

Tank has been set up for 15 months, I just started adding some supplements calcium, carbonate, pH adjuster. All parameters are within limits with Nitrates between 5-10.

What is this stuff? I am waiting for my refugium to arrive, so in the mean time I still have a wet/dry filter. (is not that bad considering I cleaned it well in last part of November).

Any advice?

 

The nuisance microalgae is normal and standard with elevated nutrient levels in your water. Reducing the nitrate, silicate and phosphate levels will help. Increasing filtration, biological filtration, water changes and adding carbon will help to reduce this.

 

Brown algae is common in new aquariums. It's caused by Nitrates, silicates, inadequate lighting and low oxygen in the water column. Sounds like the problem is your nitrates since you are seeing them on your tests. Often times algae will consume the nitrates at an even pace with the tank producing them - thus returning a false test result.

Clean it up again, use a silicate sponge, check your lighting and use RO water. You should also do a water change with quality a quality salt mix.

 

pic?

 

I am using RO water and just did a water change last week. Using Instant Oceans Reef Crystals. Sorry no pics at this time.