Brown Stuff Growing On Aquarium Plants
Having an aquarium can be a wonderful hobby. Watching fish swim around and plants grow can be relaxing and enjoyable. However, one problem that many aquarium owners face is the appearance of brown stuff growing on their plants. This can be unsightly and can harm the health of the plants and fish. In this article, we will explore the causes of this issue and provide solutions to help prevent it from happening.
What is the Brown Stuff?
The brown stuff that grows on aquarium plants is actually an algae called diatoms. Diatoms are microscopic organisms that grow on surfaces in the aquarium. They are brown in color and can form a slimy layer on plants, rocks, and glass. While they are not harmful to fish, they can harm plants by blocking out the light they need to grow. In severe cases, diatoms can cover the entire plant and cause it to die.
What Causes Diatoms to Grow?
Diatoms can grow in any aquarium, but there are certain conditions that make them more likely to thrive. These include:
- Low light levels
- High levels of nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates
- Low water flow
- Low oxygen levels
- High levels of dissolved organic matter
If your aquarium has any of these conditions, diatoms are more likely to grow on your plants.
How to Get Rid of Diatoms
The good news is that diatoms can be easily removed from your aquarium plants. Here are some solutions:
Clean the Plants
The first thing you should do is remove any affected plants from the aquarium and clean them thoroughly. Use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub the plants and remove the diatoms. Be careful not to damage the plants in the process.
Improve Water Quality
The second thing you should do is improve the water quality in your aquarium. This can be done by:
- Changing the water more frequently
- Reducing the amount of food you give your fish
- Adding more plants to absorb excess nutrients
- Increasing water flow with a powerhead or airstone
- Adding an aquarium filter
Improving water quality will help prevent diatoms from growing in the first place.
Use Algae Eaters
If you have a large aquarium, you may want to consider adding algae eaters to help control diatoms. Algae eaters such as snails, shrimp, and certain fish can help keep diatoms under control by eating them.
Preventative Measures
Preventing diatoms from growing in the first place is the best solution. Here are some preventative measures you can take:
Provide Adequate Lighting
Diatoms thrive in low light conditions, so providing adequate lighting for your plants can help prevent them from growing. Be sure to research the lighting requirements of your plants and provide the appropriate amount of light.
Reduce Nutrients
Reducing the amount of nutrients in your aquarium can also help prevent diatoms from growing. Be sure to test your water regularly and keep the levels of nitrates and phosphates low.
Keep Water Flowing
Diatoms thrive in stagnant water, so keeping the water flowing in your aquarium can help prevent them from growing. Use a powerhead or airstone to create water movement.
Monitor Water Quality
Regularly testing your water quality and making adjustments as needed can also help prevent diatoms from growing. Be sure to test for pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.
Conclusion
Brown stuff growing on aquarium plants is a common problem for many aquarium owners. However, by understanding the causes of diatoms and taking preventative measures, you can keep your plants healthy and free from brown stuff. If you do notice diatoms growing on your plants, be sure to clean them thoroughly and improve the water quality in your aquarium. With a little effort, you can keep your aquarium plants looking beautiful and healthy.
