brown spots on bottom of my tank

[Belvedeerthebetta]

Anyone know what this is? I am getting tiny brown dots or areas on bottom of my tank> I notice when I clean it> I am assuming it is some sort of algea? anyone know how i can clean it? or get rid of it? it comes off but with LOTS of elbow grease

[maycausedeath]

What do you mean by on the bottom of your tank? Can you post a picture?

[bahamut285]

It sounds very much like brown algae. I have a barebottom tank and I get it if I leave my lights on for too long. I wouldn't say it needs any elbowgrease but maybe a little bit of elbowgrease perhaps, LOL. I use the rough side of the sponge (I have a glass tank, it will scratch acrylic ones!) and it comes off after a few scrubs.

[Hallyx]

I use a Nerite snail to clean brown algae. (I also run bare-bottom tanks.) Slow but effective. They're a lovely pet and don't breed in fresh water.

Cutting back on the light helps, especially sunlight.

[Belvedeerthebetta]

thanks for info! Appreciate> What is a bare bottom tank, BTW?

[Hallyx]

It just means I don't use any substrate (gravel, sand). All my plants are either tied to rocks/beads or floating. I find it easier to clean and maintain.