If aquarium plants turn brown, please don't panic! Instead, check to see if it is a brown coating that can be easily wiped off. If that is the case, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Action is rarely required, it usually disappears on its own.
There is a brown coating on my aquarium plants, what should I do?
The brown, greasy coating isDiatomsNew installations and large water changes promote an infestation, which usually goes away on its own. Combat diatoms gently byWipe,SuctionandWater change on several days in a row. Then keep all water values within the optimal range.
What is this brown coating on aquarium plants?
The brown coating on aquarium plants is probablyDiatom (brown algae). Take a detailed look at affected aquatic plants to clearly identify an infestation.
- brown coloring
- greasy consistency
- plants, decorations and stones are affected
- there are carpet-like coverings on the ground
- Discs are also covered with it
If the aquarium plants are brown and the coating cannot be wiped off, investigate another cause.
Why do my aquarium plants get a brown coating?
Diatoms settle on their own. Usually afternewly setting up an aquariumor after abig water change The greasy coatings look unappetizing and completely ruin the appearance. However, diatoms do not pose a threat to the aquarium inhabitants. After a warm-up phase, the diatoms should also disappear on their own. Otherwise, there is still an imbalance that you should investigate as soon as possible. Control is also necessary if diatoms appear at a later date.
How do I properly fight diatoms?
When it comes to combating chemicals, chemicals should literally be the last resort, because they seriously upset the balance in the aquarium and possibly harm the flora and fauna.
- Diatomsremove manually
- from the plants and sliceswipe off
- if applicable. Remove plants from the water for better cleaning
- Clean decorations thoroughly
- Soil and stonesvacuuming
- then carry out a partial water change (up to 80%)
- remove algae particles floating freely in the aquarium water
- repeat all steps several days in a row
How can I prevent another brown algae infestation?
Createunfavorable living conditions for diatoms and they will stay away.
- Determine and optimize water values regularly
- In particular, check the silicate content (the building block of brown algae) and reduce it if necessary
- Modernize lamps
- Increase lighting duration and intensity
- Care for the pool more regularly (partial water changes, filter cleaning, etc.)
- pay attention to lower phosphate levels
Tip
Adjust the lighting intensity in the pool to suit your needs
Brown algae love dimly lit pools. Respond to an infestation with stronger, but not too strong, lighting. Although this disrupts the growth of brown algae, it can promote other, more dangerous types of algae that are not so easy to combat.
