Brown Rust like coating

[Samuel Warren]

I have 4 tanks, in particular a 10 gallon planted tank with 2 very small
African mixed cichlids, and 6 black neon tetras. I have been scrubbing the
glass about once a week to remove a brown rust looking growth. The pump
inlet tube also gets coated with this brown residue, as well as the Aquarium
safe polished stones and pebbles. The substrate is Eco-complete for planted
aquariums. Some of the larger leaves of some of the plants are also getting
a brown deposit. What can I do to get rid of this, without tearing down the
whole tank? The tank has been in operation for about a full month and
appears to be fully cycled at this point.

This message was written on 100% recycled spam. SAM >>

[Samuel Warren]

Oh I forgot to add I also have an Otto in the tank trying to do his
additional work of cleaning duties.

This message was written on 100% recycled spam. SAM >>

"Samuel Warren" > wrote in message
...
> I have 4 tanks, in particular a 10 gallon planted tank with 2 very small
> African mixed cichlids, and 6 black neon tetras. I have been scrubbing
the
> glass about once a week to remove a brown rust looking growth. The pump
> inlet tube also gets coated with this brown residue, as well as the
Aquarium
> safe polished stones and pebbles. The substrate is Eco-complete for
planted
> aquariums. Some of the larger leaves of some of the plants are also
getting
> a brown deposit. What can I do to get rid of this, without tearing down
the
> whole tank? The tank has been in operation for about a full month and
> appears to be fully cycled at this point.
>
> This message was written on 100% recycled spam. SAM >>
>
>
>

[anemone]

I had this in my tanks too. Its brown algae. I got so fed up with seeing it
all over everything that i got myself a UV sterilliser.....it does wonders.
I have a Pondmaster 11w UV hooked up
"Samuel Warren" > wrote in message
...
>I have 4 tanks, in particular a 10 gallon planted tank with 2 very small
> African mixed cichlids, and 6 black neon tetras. I have been scrubbing
> the
> glass about once a week to remove a brown rust looking growth. The pump
> inlet tube also gets coated with this brown residue, as well as the
> Aquarium
> safe polished stones and pebbles. The substrate is Eco-complete for
> planted
> aquariums. Some of the larger leaves of some of the plants are also
> getting
> a brown deposit. What can I do to get rid of this, without tearing down
> the
> whole tank? The tank has been in operation for about a full month and
> appears to be fully cycled at this point.
>
> This message was written on 100% recycled spam. SAM >>
>
>
>

[Justin Boucher]

You may very well have diatoms. This is perfectly normal in a newly set up
tank. They typically feed off silica as their main food source and once
that is depleted, they will die down. This usually takes a few weeks to 2
months. My 240gal just finished it's diatom cycle and we're near the end of
the die off. The rocks have their natural color back, the bog wood and
plants are all looking "normal" again. It's really not much to worry about
unless it lasts for several months. Then it usually means you have surplus
silica somewhere getting in the water (and no, the silicone adhesive is not
a source).

Another option would be red algae, I usually get this dark maroon algae at
the water return spouts. Again, I'm not too concerned about it there so
long as it doesn't impede the water flow and grow out of control.

The post about the UV can be a good suggestion. I have one on my tank and
they can severely help control waterborne algae and parasites (like ick).

Justin
A sterile tank is a deadly tank.

"Samuel Warren" > wrote in message
...
> I have 4 tanks, in particular a 10 gallon planted tank with 2 very small
> African mixed cichlids, and 6 black neon tetras. I have been scrubbing
the
> glass about once a week to remove a brown rust looking growth. The pump
> inlet tube also gets coated with this brown residue, as well as the
Aquarium
> safe polished stones and pebbles. The substrate is Eco-complete for
planted
> aquariums. Some of the larger leaves of some of the plants are also
getting
> a brown deposit. What can I do to get rid of this, without tearing down
the
> whole tank? The tank has been in operation for about a full month and
> appears to be fully cycled at this point.
>
> This message was written on 100% recycled spam. SAM >>
>
>
>

[Samuel Warren]

Quote:You may very well have diatoms. This is perfectly normal in a newly
set up
tank. They typically feed off silica as their main food source and once
that is depleted, they will die down. This usually takes a few weeks to 2
months.

That sounds about right, I forgot all about that. It has been over a year
since I had a "new" tank.
THANKS


This message was written on 100% recycled spam. SAM >>

"Justin Boucher" > wrote in message
...
> You may very well have diatoms. This is perfectly normal in a newly set
up
> tank. They typically feed off silica as their main food source and once
> that is depleted, they will die down. This usually takes a few weeks to 2
> months. My 240gal just finished it's diatom cycle and we're near the end
of
> the die off. The rocks have their natural color back, the bog wood and
> plants are all looking "normal" again. It's really not much to worry
about
> unless it lasts for several months. Then it usually means you have
surplus
> silica somewhere getting in the water (and no, the silicone adhesive is
not
> a source).
>
> Another option would be red algae, I usually get this dark maroon algae at
> the water return spouts. Again, I'm not too concerned about it there so
> long as it doesn't impede the water flow and grow out of control.
>
> The post about the UV can be a good suggestion. I have one on my tank and
> they can severely help control waterborne algae and parasites (like ick).
>
> Justin
> A sterile tank is a deadly tank.
>
> "Samuel Warren" > wrote in message
> ...
> > I have 4 tanks, in particular a 10 gallon planted tank with 2 very small
> > African mixed cichlids, and 6 black neon tetras. I have been scrubbing
> the
> > glass about once a week to remove a brown rust looking growth. The pump
> > inlet tube also gets coated with this brown residue, as well as the
> Aquarium
> > safe polished stones and pebbles. The substrate is Eco-complete for
> planted
> > aquariums. Some of the larger leaves of some of the plants are also
> getting
> > a brown deposit. What can I do to get rid of this, without tearing down
> the
> > whole tank? The tank has been in operation for about a full month and
> > appears to be fully cycled at this point.
> >
> > This message was written on 100% recycled spam. SAM >>
> >
> >
> >
>
>

[Elaine T]

Justin Boucher wrote:
> You may very well have diatoms. This is perfectly normal in a newly set up
> tank. They typically feed off silica as their main food source and once
> that is depleted, they will die down. This usually takes a few weeks to 2
> months. My 240gal just finished it's diatom cycle and we're near the end of
> the die off. The rocks have their natural color back, the bog wood and
> plants are all looking "normal" again. It's really not much to worry about
> unless it lasts for several months. Then it usually means you have surplus
> silica somewhere getting in the water (and no, the silicone adhesive is not
> a source).
>
Are you sure the silicone adhesive isn't a source of silica in newly
manufactured tanks? I've heard both ways. Either way, I've had the
same experience - diatoms bloom and then die off any any newly setup
tank. They're usually easy to rub off of the glass, decorations and
plants like anubias and the Otocinclus will take care of the rest.

--
__ Elaine T __
><__'> http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><

[anemone]

With newly made tanks I heard a way to "season" them. Fill the tank up and
make a brine solution (disolve salt into water until no more will dissolve)
and let it sit over night. I don't know how it works, but it was reccomended
by my tank maufacturer....
"Elaine T" > wrote in message
. com...
> Justin Boucher wrote:
>> You may very well have diatoms. This is perfectly normal in a newly set
>> up
>> tank. They typically feed off silica as their main food source and once
>> that is depleted, they will die down. This usually takes a few weeks to
>> 2
>> months. My 240gal just finished it's diatom cycle and we're near the end
>> of
>> the die off. The rocks have their natural color back, the bog wood and
>> plants are all looking "normal" again. It's really not much to worry
>> about
>> unless it lasts for several months. Then it usually means you have
>> surplus
>> silica somewhere getting in the water (and no, the silicone adhesive is
>> not
>> a source).
>>
> Are you sure the silicone adhesive isn't a source of silica in newly
> manufactured tanks? I've heard both ways. Either way, I've had the same
> experience - diatoms bloom and then die off any any newly setup tank.
> They're usually easy to rub off of the glass, decorations and plants like
> anubias and the Otocinclus will take care of the rest.
>
> --
> __ Elaine T __
> ><__'> http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><

[Justin Boucher]

I've never heard of silicone being a source of silica in the tank. As for
new tanks, I don't know, but I'm willing to bet that you would still get a
diatom bloom from a silicon adhesive used tank freshly set up.

Justin

"Elaine T" > wrote in message
. com...
> Justin Boucher wrote:
> > You may very well have diatoms. This is perfectly normal in a newly set
up
> > tank. They typically feed off silica as their main food source and once
> > that is depleted, they will die down. This usually takes a few weeks to
2
> > months. My 240gal just finished it's diatom cycle and we're near the
end of
> > the die off. The rocks have their natural color back, the bog wood and
> > plants are all looking "normal" again. It's really not much to worry
about
> > unless it lasts for several months. Then it usually means you have
surplus
> > silica somewhere getting in the water (and no, the silicone adhesive is
not
> > a source).
> >
> Are you sure the silicone adhesive isn't a source of silica in newly
> manufactured tanks? I've heard both ways. Either way, I've had the
> same experience - diatoms bloom and then die off any any newly setup
> tank. They're usually easy to rub off of the glass, decorations and
> plants like anubias and the Otocinclus will take care of the rest.
>
> --
> __ Elaine T __
> ><__'> http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><

[Justin Boucher]

I'm sure it will.

The same thing happened to my acrylic tank. Makes you wonder where the
silica actually comes from.

"John ><>" > wrote in message
...
> My new Acrylic Tank has NO Silicone or Silicate anywhere in it and I have
> the Brown Diatom like the plague. I am hoping it dies off in short time.
>
> JOhn ><>
>
> "Justin Boucher" > wrote in message
> ...
> > I've never heard of silicone being a source of silica in the tank. As
for
> > new tanks, I don't know, but I'm willing to bet that you would still get
a
> > diatom bloom from a silicon adhesive used tank freshly set up.
> >
> > Justin
> >
> > "Elaine T" > wrote in message
> > . com...
> >> Justin Boucher wrote:
> >> > You may very well have diatoms. This is perfectly normal in a newly
> >> > set
> > up
> >> > tank. They typically feed off silica as their main food source and
> >> > once
> >> > that is depleted, they will die down. This usually takes a few weeks
> >> > to
> > 2
> >> > months. My 240gal just finished it's diatom cycle and we're near the
> > end of
> >> > the die off. The rocks have their natural color back, the bog wood
and
> >> > plants are all looking "normal" again. It's really not much to worry
> > about
> >> > unless it lasts for several months. Then it usually means you have
> > surplus
> >> > silica somewhere getting in the water (and no, the silicone adhesive
is
> > not
> >> > a source).
> >> >
> >> Are you sure the silicone adhesive isn't a source of silica in newly
> >> manufactured tanks? I've heard both ways. Either way, I've had the
> >> same experience - diatoms bloom and then die off any any newly setup
> >> tank. They're usually easy to rub off of the glass, decorations and
> >> plants like anubias and the Otocinclus will take care of the rest.
> >>
> >> --
> >> __ Elaine T __
> >> ><__'> http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
> >
> >
>
>

[John >]

My new Acrylic Tank has NO Silicone or Silicate anywhere in it and I have
the Brown Diatom like the plague. I am hoping it dies off in short time.

JOhn ><>

"Justin Boucher" > wrote in message
...
> I've never heard of silicone being a source of silica in the tank. As for
> new tanks, I don't know, but I'm willing to bet that you would still get a
> diatom bloom from a silicon adhesive used tank freshly set up.
>
> Justin
>
> "Elaine T" > wrote in message
> . com...
>> Justin Boucher wrote:
>> > You may very well have diatoms. This is perfectly normal in a newly
>> > set
> up
>> > tank. They typically feed off silica as their main food source and
>> > once
>> > that is depleted, they will die down. This usually takes a few weeks
>> > to
> 2
>> > months. My 240gal just finished it's diatom cycle and we're near the
> end of
>> > the die off. The rocks have their natural color back, the bog wood and
>> > plants are all looking "normal" again. It's really not much to worry
> about
>> > unless it lasts for several months. Then it usually means you have
> surplus
>> > silica somewhere getting in the water (and no, the silicone adhesive is
> not
>> > a source).
>> >
>> Are you sure the silicone adhesive isn't a source of silica in newly
>> manufactured tanks? I've heard both ways. Either way, I've had the
>> same experience - diatoms bloom and then die off any any newly setup
>> tank. They're usually easy to rub off of the glass, decorations and
>> plants like anubias and the Otocinclus will take care of the rest.
>>
>> --
>> __ Elaine T __
>> ><__'> http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
>
>

[Justin Boucher]

Then why doesn't a bloom happen everytime you do a major water change? I
can understand the regular maintenance water changes, but what about the
times when a major change is needed? (say greater than 50%)

"Ozdude" > wrote in message
. ..
>
> "Justin Boucher" > wrote in message
> ...
> > I'm sure it will.
> >
> > The same thing happened to my acrylic tank. Makes you wonder where the
> > silica actually comes from.
>
> Your tap water! Believe it or not.
>
> Oz
>
> --
> My Aquatic web Blog is at http://members.optusnet.com.au/ivan.smith
>
>

[Ozdude]

"Justin Boucher" > wrote in message
...
> I'm sure it will.
>
> The same thing happened to my acrylic tank. Makes you wonder where the
> silica actually comes from.

Your tap water! Believe it or not.

Oz

--
My Aquatic web Blog is at http://members.optusnet.com.au/ivan.smith

[Ozdude]

"Justin Boucher" > wrote in message
...
> Then why doesn't a bloom happen everytime you do a major water change? I
> can understand the regular maintenance water changes, but what about the
> times when a major change is needed? (say greater than 50%)

I'd say because it's not always present. Silica levels vary from month to
month, year to year in most water supplies, from my experience at any rate.
It builds up in the tank too.

If your tank is new, it will normally happen anyway. Just be patient by
scrubbing and maintinence and will go after about 4 to 6 weeks, then you may
get green algae, as has happened in my case ;)



Oz


--
My Aquatic web Blog is at http://members.optusnet.com.au/ivan.smith

[[email protected]]

Precisely the same series of events for me. These days my green algae
are hardly growing. I must be doing something right. (^_^;

[Ozdude]

> wrote in message
oups.com...
> Precisely the same series of events for me. These days my green algae
> are hardly growing. I must be doing something right. (^_^;

I found the green stuff occurs right after using liquid fertilizer in the
water. I've got it under control/in-balance, sort of - I still have to
scrape the glass every week, but there is nowhere near as much as used to be
there.

I leave some behind for my female sword - she loves pecking at it, and some
times prefers it over bloodworms and flake food.

It grew madly on my remaining rock, but now it's totally stopped and all the
plants I cut back hard because of the intial diatom infestation have
flourished to the point where I am now prunning an binning the off cuts -I
never thought I'd be doing that ;)

Oz

--
My Aquatic web Blog is at http://members.optusnet.com.au/ivan.smith

[Elaine T]

Justin Boucher wrote:
> Then why doesn't a bloom happen everytime you do a major water change? I
> can understand the regular maintenance water changes, but what about the
> times when a major change is needed? (say greater than 50%)

Because there are other algae and bacteria established in older tanks
that use up other limiting nutrients.

--
__ Elaine T __
><__'> http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><