Brown Algae (Phaeophyta)

August 2, 2008 · Filed Under Saltwater Aquarium Algae 

Kelp Forest: Monterey Bay Aquarium
Brown Algae is form the Phaeophyta group and consists of around 3,000 species, which are mostly seaweeds.

Their results from the dominance of a xanthophylls pigment, which masks other pigments including chlorophyll.

Colors range from pale beige to yellow-brown to almost black.

The most common form of brown Algae is called kelp. They are the largest algae and can grow greater than 200 feet in length. Some forms come attached to live rock when purchased.

Brown Algae on Live Rocks

Like the red algae, brown algae are beneficial for saltwater aquariums.

They start there life as brown patches on the gravel and/or glass, then quickly covers most surfaces of the saltwater aquarium with a thin, dark brown coating.

It can easily be removed and wiped away. Most common in a newly set up aquarium. It is usually caused by several things like too little light, an excess of silicates, an abundance of nutrients, and too little oxygen.

Silicates can build up through tap water that is high in silicic acid, and silicates that leech from some types of substrates.

Wipe off the surface and siphon the gravel during partial water changes you do. You can also use silicate absorbing resin in your saltwater aquarium filter. If you increase the duration of the lighting, they will inhibit re-growth.

As your saltwater aquarium matures, they should be eliminated naturally by plants and green algae (Chlorophyta) that will competing for nutrients.

As with most common saltwater aquarium algae, keeping the tank clean and performing regular water changes is one of the best preventative measures for algae.

Unfortunately it is still possible to get algae in spite of regular maintenance, especially in a newly established aquarium.

Prompt attention to sudden algae growth will prevent more serious problems.

For more information on commn types of Algae’s see below:

  1. Chlorophyta or Green Algae
  2. Rhodophyta or Red Algae
  3. Phaeophyta group - Brown Algae
  4. Diatoms
  5. A group of bacteria called the Cyanobacteria - Blue-green Algae

For general information on Saltwater Aquarium Algae click here.

Recommended Algae Products by Saltwater Aquarium Guide

Text and Photo Source: Saltwater Aquarium Online Guide

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    • This group of red algae is called Rhodophyta, they consist of approx 6,000 species and most of them are marine
  • Green Algae (Chlorophyta)
    • Believe it or not there is over 7,000 species of Green Algae, and have been split into many groups and
  • Soft Corals and Polyps
    • Soft Corals and Polyps have around 2,500 species known and the specie are highly diverse in appearance. Some resemble anemones
  • Diatoms Algae
    • Diatoms are microscopic cells composed of overlapping half shells of silica, which spend their lives floating in the ocean or

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