If you are a beginner in the fish tank keeping business, it might be chocking to watch brown algae in betta tank. It appears like a brown mesh over your live plants, tank decorations, or to the glass of your aquarium. Brown algae in betta tank are something every betta enthusiast goes through.
While brown algae in betta tank can be a concerning issue, it is widespread and can be removed with the correct method without any difficulty. However, keep in mind that removing it as soon as you observe it in the tank is crucial. It would help if you did not let it spread. Something worth to be noted is that brown algae in betta tank are in no way dangerous to your betta fish.
Nonetheless, it can kill your live plants and does not go with the decor of your betta tank. It might not seem attractive or eye-catching in your living room. Hence, in this post, we discuss what you can do to prevent brow algae in betta tank in any way.
Brown Algae In Betta Tank: What Is It?
Algae are microscopic and can be challenging to observe in their breeding stage. However, as these brown algae grow and form chains, they will be visible in your betta tank. Algae are a vast group that is sub-categorized into many groups, among which is a diatom.
Diatom is the category of single-celled algae, which feed on silica, nitrates, and phosphor through photosynthesis. Their cell membrane is made of silica, typically present in sand, rocks, and therefore the betta tank.
They spread quite rapidly and are common in newly established tanks. They are usually observed naturally in any freshwater or saltwater habitat. Therefore brown algae in betta tank are ordinary. Hence, it is vital to remove them almost immediately as you observe to cease them from spreading further in the tank.
Brown Algae In Betta Tank: What Causes It?
There are a lot of habits by a betta fish owner that can give birth to the growth of brown algae in your tank. Not only can they introduce brown algae, but they can also help augment it. They are pretty standard in a new tank because brown algae typically grab the opportunity of surplus nutrition in the tank environment when it hits the proper equilibrium of microorganisms and minerals.
Brown algae usually die when sufficient bacteria have developed themselves since they no more have a food resource. Numerous causes could be to blame if your betta tank is not new and is still struggling with brown algae in betta tank. Here are a few reasons why:
Nutrition Misproportion:
Feeding your betta too much and not cleaning the leftover food their after may provide brown algae a food source to feed upon. This is because leftover food and unclean tank raise the level of nitrates and phosphates in the tank, which is all brown algae need. Hence clean your tank correctly and feed only the optimum amount of food to your betta.
Silica Content:
Generally, tap water is what is used by betta fish tank owners as water in the tank. However, tap water contains a certain level of silica which could spark the production of brown algae in betta tank. Along with that, sand or gravel is usually used as a substrate. Sand contains a pool of silica content. Therefore, even if you change your water, there is no way your substrate won’t help in the production of silica.
Lights Imbalance:
Light as a variable affecting brown algae in betta tank is a controversial topic. Brown algae, it is thought, can overtake live plants in the aquarium that depend only on sunlight to thrive when you do not provide sufficient light.
On the other hand, in extra lights, brown algae can employ photosynthesis to quadruple their food production and proliferate quicker. Hence we say moderation is the key. Install just sufficient lights in the aquarium.
Improper Ventilation:
Fish breathe out carbon dioxide and inhale oxygen and algae, much like plants do the opposite. Hence, if proper ventilation is not provided in the tank, brown algae may develop. A good water filter and the air filter are not only necessary for your betta fish’s health but a clean and hygienic habitat to avoid the growth of any brown algae.
Brown Algae In Betta Tank: How To Remove?
If you have just established your tank, we recommend waiting for a while the bacterial activity will balance itself out. Nevertheless, if you want to remove brown algae, here are a few ways to do so.
Rub It Off
You can scrub the parts where brown algae have accumulated, and it will immediately come off. For substrates like sand, brown algae in betta tank will come off simply by scrubbing it. Nevertheless, for suv=bstrate like gravel, we suggest using an algae vacuum to clean. Before scrubbing the tank, ensure to remove all tank objects and soak them in chlorinated water to avoid any regrowth of brown algae.
Ultraviolet Sterilizers
They are economical sterilizers explicitly designed to remove algae from the betta tank without being detrimental to your betta fish. They are readily available on any online platform or any other pet store.
Introduce Natural Algae Killers
Natural algae killers are nothing but fish or snails. Fish like dwarf suckers feed on algae and other plants, naturally killing algae developing in your tank. However, there is always a risk of betta fish’s hostile behavior to intervene.
Hence, the best alternative is to keep snails. They are natural eaters and extremely calm fish. Therefore best tank mate for the betta. Along with that, it will eat up the produced algae and provide a healthy and clean tank for your betta.
FAQs on Brown Algae In Betta Tank
Do brown algae go away on their own?
Generally, they do for a new tank. However, you can refer to the options provided to remove it if they don’t.
Do brown algae mean my tank is cycled?
No, brown algae presence does not give any reference to cycling. If you want to know about the cycling of your tank water, get it tested.
Do brown algae turn green?
No, they generally don’t. Your brown algae may die, and new green algae may develop. However, it might as a part of the natural phases of your tank establishment. Remove it as soon as you observe it.
Final Thoughts:
While brown algae in betta tank is a troublesome issue for betta tank owners, it is something that all have to learn to deal with. Algae is a common problem, and it never really goes away. Clean your tank once a week and install proper filtration to slow down the growth rate of algae.
