Brown dust on reef tank glass is a type of film known as Silica Algae, Brown Algae, or Brown Diatom occurring from the natural biological processes in the tank. Most of the time it is seen on the aquarium’s glass, substrate, decorations, and plants.
It is not harmful to fish or coral, but it can cause a cloudy appearance and can make your beautiful reef tank into an ugly mess.
If the tank outbreak of the brown dust algae, It can be a nuisance because it can block light, make it unable to photosynthesize properly, and reduce the growth of other coral reefs.
Brown dust is typically visible on the surface of the glass, but it can also spread to deeper parts of the tank.
So, It is important to clean the glass regularly so that it does not become littered with brown algae.
Are There Any Benefits to Having Brown Dust on Reef Tank Glass?
There is some debate on the benefits of brown dust algae on a reef tank. Some people believe that it can help to improve the overall tank ecosystem, while others feel that it can be detrimental to the tank environment.
The jury is still out on this topic, but there are some potential benefits to keeping brown dust algae present in a reef tank.
Brown dust algae can provide a natural filtration mechanism and produce interesting patterns of growth as well as helps the photosynthetic organism that contributes energy and nutrients to the aquarium creatures.
Additionally, brown algae can remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the water and release pure oxygen, helping to maintain a healthy environment for fish and coral.
However, to get an advantage from this brown dust algae, you should have control and prevent an outbreak of it.
Any excess algae growth can hurt your reef tank, as it covers coral, plants, and rocks and then blocks the light from reaching the tank’s inhabitants.
The Disadvantage of Brown Dust on Reef Tank
Brown dust can be a problem in reef tanks when it is an outbreak because it can reduce the light intensity and affect the ecosystem.
They can clog up filters and cause problems with light and water circulation.
After death and decomposition, this “brown diatom dust” decreases the oxygen level in the water and creates a suffocating problem for aquatic creatures.
When you allow them to rapid growth, they can be difficult to remove as they are coated on the aquarium’s glass, live rocks, and plants.
How to Clean Brown Dust in a Reef Tank?
If you are experiencing brown algae growth in your reef tank, you can take a few steps to clean it up. Before taking any action, it is best to identify the real cause of the algae come from.
If there is an issue you have been found, you will need to take appropriate action. If the problem is not easily identified, you may need to perform some advanced stuff.
However, As the diatoms are just lying down at the bottom, a Brown Dust is an easy matter to keep away; you can just do it without scrubbing the aquarium glass.
This type of dust/algae/diatom is attached lightly to the aquarium surface and easily removable. Just wipe away tank glass and all the decoration carefully, including rocks, plants, and sand. And alternatively, you can add some algae eater fish to remove brown dust naturally.
Though it is comparatively difficult to keep away brown dust from the gravel, using the vacuum with a siphon will make the task easy to remove.
The Following Method You Can Follow to Control Brown Dust in Your Reef Tank Glass
- Clean the tank regularly
- Use a reef safe light fixture
- Avoid overfeeding
- Keep water parameters stable
- Use a gravel cleaner
- Always use RO/DI water
- Remove excess nutrients
- Be careful when using vinegar
- Use a saltwater solution
- Use a hydrogen peroxide solution
- Maintain the tank properly
- Add algae eater
- Reduce feeding
- Add an efficient filtration system
- Use vacuum
- Use algae scraper
Conclusion
Make sure you have been aware of the potential dangers of removing brown dust from a reef tank. It can cause health problems if it is not properly cleaned off. Follow the proper cleaning procedures to minimize the risks and keep your coral healthy.
