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Decorations turning brown2007-11-24 23:11:08

Ive had my goldfish in my tank for a few weeks now, one of my decorations has browny patches on it, they seem to be getting bigger each day. Should i take it out and wash it? Or is this good?

Answers:

You can wipe it down, but don't wash it. This is just brown algae and, even though it isn't pretty to look at, it isn't harmful to your tank and is actually a sign that the nitrogen cycle is working and that you are having some beneficial bacteria growing. If you're doing your weekly water changes and testing your water regularly, this is a good thing, and at 3 weeks, your tank is probably a good way toward being cycled. Cleaning the brown algae too thoroughly is going set back that cycling process. Just wiping it down with a dedicated aquarium cleaning cloth or aquarium sponge is good enough.

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YES thats what I would do.

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Get an algae eater. Try a plecostomus.Don't clean it yourself.

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yes take them out and wash before they get too bad and it wont clean off.

sounds like they shouldnt be in ther if thats happening

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if you have a filter then it needs a good clean.and yes clean with warm water and nothing else

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thats ok you dont need to wash it, just get a pleco and he'll clean it all up

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when you do your partial water changes you can remove your decor and clean it in tank water, I use a new soft bristled toothbrush to clean my tank decor. If you like snails, you can get a few, they make quick work of diatomic (brown) algae and don't outgrow the tank.(like a common pleco will) I have some ramshorn snails that keep my goldfish tank sparkling, and free of algae.