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Brown vs green algae

In a message dated 11/19/2001 2:34:49 PM Central Standard Time, 
Owner-KillieTalk at AKA_Org writes:


> Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001 13:58:58 -0500
> From: "Tranquility Base" <TranquilityBase at NetZero_Net>
> Subject: RE: of calcium and clams (was something about salts)
> 
> Hi Folks,
> 
> Silicates aside, brown algae often colonizes aquariums faster than green
> algae or (red algae in salt water). Green algae eventually out competes it
> under most circumstances. So, newer people on this list you should not panic
> when your NEW killie tank turns brown. It will eventually turn green given
> time.
> 
> Furthermore light intensity and duration have some effect on which algae
> will be dominant and for how long. I concur with Allen it is more prevalent
> in tanks which are heavily populated.
> 
> Best regards,
> 
> ~RJ~
> 
Now I don't feel bad about getting a tank of brown algae when I set up my 38 
gal community tank, but would like to understand all this better.  Upon 
setup, brown algae started to take over the tank, and even killed some of the 
plantings.  On someones' recommendation, I increased the lighting, and the 
brown either changed to green, or green started and "pushed out" the brown?  
Can someone explain what happens there?  It would help on future setups.

Next, a snail appeared, and started munching on the algae.  This was great, 
'cause it cleaned off all the algae from the plant leaves, and most have 
recovered quite well.  Now the lone snail has "magically" transformed itself 
into about 5 or 6 of them, and the back wall of the tank, which was once 
covered with beautiful green algae, is now almost bare.  Questions:  What 
will the snails do when all the algae is gone?  Will they eat the plants?  
The first snail is now about the diameter of a quarter in size.  I would like 
to keep a back wall of green algae.  I think it is attractive, and "good" for 
the fish.  Is that true?, i.e., is it good for the fish???

It was nice to have a snail to keep the plants cleaned of algae so they would 
grow, but I'm thinking there may be a downside approaching, and would 
appreciate some info on how to keep a better balance.  I have continued to 
increase the lighting time until the 38 gallon is now getting about 14 
hrs/day from one 36" fluorescent (the bulb is probably 30 to 32").  Fish seem 
happy, especially the Riv's, who linger in the floating stuff, 'till I think 
they are trapped, but they sure come out at feeding time.  




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