Log in

View Full Version : Algae & Pests Diatoms!


MizTanks
09-03-2010, 01:20 PM
Where the heck are they coming from? Haven't changed a thing!
adalius
09-03-2010, 02:37 PM
Are you sure they're diatoms and not another brown algae that just hasn't thickened up yet?

It's possible you had all the things to produce diatoms all this time except one, and now have it. I.e. you may have had silicates in the water but not enough nutrients to cause them to bloom, you overfeed a tiny bit every day over a whole month until you hit the tipping point and boom they populate. Not saying that caused it, just giving a scenario.
greenstarfish03
12-22-2010, 12:22 AM
I'm curious myself b/c I don't have an issue w/ anything else but I do get some diatoms on my sand bed that makes it look ugly. I put hair alage from other peoples tank in mine and it dies ain a few days but the diatoms their just fine.
creefer
12-22-2010, 04:29 AM
I'm curious myself b/c I don't have an issue w/ anything else but I do get some diatoms on my sand bed that makes it look ugly. I put hair alage from other peoples tank in mine and it dies ain a few days but the diatoms their just fine.

I have the same issue. I'll be following this.
rmalone
12-22-2010, 02:17 PM
I usually see a little bit of them and a little cyano creep up when my gfo gets exhausted. I change the gfo and within a week they both go away.
Wy Renegade
12-22-2010, 03:08 PM
Not uncommon to see them on the sandbed in an established aquarium. Are you topping off with RO/DI water and if so, have you tested the water itself? Adding some nassarious (sp) snails will help turn the sand and keep it looking clean.
greenstarfish03
12-26-2010, 06:05 PM
Top off is RO/DI. I probably just need something that will turn the sand over better I think.


Not uncommon to see them on the sandbed in an established aquarium. Are you topping off with RO/DI water and if so, have you tested the water itself? Adding some nassarious (sp) snails will help turn the sand and keep it looking clean.
greenstarfish03
12-26-2010, 06:06 PM
Good call too rmalone my GFO is probably a little old considering I can't remember when I last changed it:)


I usually see a little bit of them and a little cyano creep up when my gfo gets exhausted. I change the gfo and within a week they both go away.
Chelle's Ocean
12-26-2010, 08:35 PM
Yup- nassarius do a great job. I have about 2-3 dozen regular, and threw in about a dozen jumbo size - they are great.... fun to watch at feeding time! They bulldoze up from the sandbed :)
MizTanks
12-27-2010, 09:44 AM
GFO? :)


There is nothing like being a REEFER!