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how does brown algae start? i have some and want to get rid of it for good.

Algea....now thats sometimes a fun issue to disscuse.

Ok since its not green, we can froget about the sunlight issue.
Now Brown algea, maybe mistaken for BGA ( Blue Green Algea) which is really not algea, but Microcystis
Anabaena, or similar types. It can only be cured through a medicated cure. Now Brown algea, like green algea needs certain nutrents in the water. Green algea thrives on NO3 (nitrate) and sunlight for photosynthsis. Brown on the other hand, thirves on phosphates (PO4). I have no idea how to control PO4. That would be a subject best delt with by planted tank experts. There are several types of bottom feeders, or snails though which love the stuff (Brown algea) so that might also be something to consider.

From my Saltwater reasearch, I know phosphate generally enters the water through your local water supply. The only way to remove phosphate is through a R.O./D.I. unit, which can get expensive. There are other options, like using distilled water from the supermarket, or collecting rain water for your own use. If you would like more information on either of those water sources, post back and I'll post you some links.

Let someone else post back before you take my word on this one, but I would imagine that keeping plants in the tank would also help to naturally reduce phosphates, as phosphate is required in the planted tank. Thats just a thought, so don't hold me too that one...I know very little about keeping plants.

However, I'm not positive that tap water is the only source for phosphates. It seems logical that its the only place they have to come from, but water chemistry often defies logic.

All of this, though, goes beyond treating the symptom. A lot of times you want to treat the cause, but on occasion its easier (and preferable) to treat one of the symptoms.

thanx for the responses.
i dont have any live plants, only some fake ones. when i do water changes, i use jungle labs dechlorinator its called start right. i was just thinking about buying a algae scrub and scrubing it off. but its also on my rocks and stuff. its looking ugly.

I've never minded the look of any type of "algae" on my rocks...buy I've always used slate. Scrubbing it off, and then filtering it out or syphoning it will help to decrease the Phosphate (the probable source of your problems)