Newbie has Brown algae all over substrate. What do I do about this?

[DougSmith]

I just used my new Reef Keeper test kit for potassium, was zero. Nitrates also zero. Have used PhosBan in my canister filter for about two weeks now. This seemed to clear it up for a while, now it is back. Brown sludge with bubbles. Is this an algae problem?

[twisted]

im assuming your tank is recently set up....if so, just go to the stickies and read about setup of a new tank...it will fill in all the blanks for you

[leebca]

Most of the brown you see in a new tank setup is from diatoms. They need silica, organics, some trace elements, and light to grow.

They will never go away, but will reduce in population and thus become less noticeable as the tank ages. In the meantime, use snails that are known to eat this to keep them in check.

The setup post is this one: Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium and it should help you out a lot.

If you are still uncertain, please post high quality photos of what it is you're seeing.