Brown algae stuff on glass and decor?

otter

I was wondering where it came from and how too prevent it, because it's really getting out of hand in my gourami tank and I don't know why.
could it be from natural light? It is by a window, but its on a side of my house where no sun shines.

Byron

Are you sure it is diatoms? A photo would help. And some data on the tank, namely size, light and fertilizers (if planted).

Byron.

otter

It is definitely diatoms.
There are no plants
The tank is 26 gallons with 3 long finned minor tetra and 4 dwarf gourami.
Parameters are unknown, but I change around 20% of the water every week, and it is cycled so I am guessing that they are pretty evened out.
The water ph is around 8.

Byron

Diatoms easily come off with your fingers, so assuming it is diatoms, it is common in new tanks (during the first 2-3 months) and after that it occurs due to one or both of low light or silicates in the water.

If you increase the light, green or red algae will likely appear (without any plants to use the nutrients and light).

Comment on the fish, you will likely have trouble with the three Serpae Tetra before long, if not already. It is really ironic that someone should have developed a strain of this species with long fins, given its fin-nipping trait.

Byron.

otter

ok, I am just going to clean it every week, and yes the poor tetra do have torn fins... :(
I put salt and stress coat+ in the tank every week when i do a 20% water change, so hopefully they wont develop any bacterial infections.

Byron

I wouldn't use salt, it can have serious consequences on soft water fish like characins. More on this here:
http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/f...quarium-97842/

As nipping is normal with this species (Hyphessobrycon eques), it can usually be minimized by having a larger group, say 8+. Unfortunately, the gourami may become victims. As is explained in the profiles.

AK Fresh Water

I agree, salt is likely to just stress out the fish even more.

otter

ok
everyone on tumblr tells me to add it when i change the water
because it helps gill functions?
its the "aquarium salt"
not for saltwater tanks though.

Byron

I've no idea who "everyone on Tumblr" may be, but they are giving poor advice. If you read the article I linked, which has scientific basis, you will understand why. Then you can correct them.