So suddenly, over the last week I’ve got what I assume to be brown diatoms. It’s getting a little out of hand. The tank is relatively new. Jan 25. Do I need to wait it out? Suggestions?
Brown Diatoms?
- Thread starter Markclaster
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you can still cut the lights back a littleIm no expert, I'm sure someone smarter will come in soon. It actually looks like bubble algae to me, which can be handled with vibrant and brushing just don't over dose it. It's a phase, the uglies will drive you crazy! Good luck
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Yah diatoms. The primary limiting factor for their growth is the availability of silicates. Most tanks go through a diatom phase but it does die down once your sponges kick in as they will soak up available silicates as well. If you need some starter sponge cultures I'd be happy to help.
If you're the impatient sort you can help speed the process along by manually exporting the diatoms by wiping the glass regularly with a clean cloth and wringing it out as you go. You can also setup a siphon into your sump using some tubing with a filter sock on the sump end of the tube and suck that stuff out including the ones on the sand. Then rinse the contents of the filter sock out with some ro and return the sand to the tank.
Also make sure you are not introducing more silicates into the system... Or you may never see it subside Your RO membrane will get most of it out of your tap but most folks need to also run DI resin to get the rest.
If you're the impatient sort you can help speed the process along by manually exporting the diatoms by wiping the glass regularly with a clean cloth and wringing it out as you go. You can also setup a siphon into your sump using some tubing with a filter sock on the sump end of the tube and suck that stuff out including the ones on the sand. Then rinse the contents of the filter sock out with some ro and return the sand to the tank.
Also make sure you are not introducing more silicates into the system... Or you may never see it subside Your RO membrane will get most of it out of your tap but most folks need to also run DI resin to get the rest.
How long on the lights do you recommend?
How long ya got them on now
Not really impatient, just trying to understand it and get a handle on it before it’s too late. Everything seems to be growing well. Do sponges just appear?
Blues go off at 1am and on at 2 pm. White off at midnight and on at 3 pm.
I would say 7 to 8 hours would suffice but less get someone else's opinion that knows better than me.
I cut my lights back to 8 hours and took a Turkey baster and blasted off my rocks. The diatoms there is not alot you can do it just takes a little time. But there is some things you can do to help it look better.
I cut my lights back to 8 hours and took a Turkey baster and blasted off my rocks. The diatoms there is not alot you can do it just takes a little time. But there is some things you can do to help it look better.
@FutureInterest how can I get sponges?
any clean up crew? usually snails would take care of that stuff. I'm going through the same stage in my frag tank.
I’ve got a bunch of snails and crabs but the diatoms are winning.
I’ve got 5 Astrea snails. May need more?
A conch may help turn that sand over. After I added a tiger conch, my sand is pretty white all the time now.
Yeah, you got plenty of food for more now.
Yeah, you got plenty of food for more now.
A small chunk of live rock from another member or LFS will likely introduce them. If you stick with something smaller, less chance of introducing nasty hitchhikers (but still a risk!)
What size tank is it? Maybe put a mexican turbo in there as well?
Now that thing is a beast, he can RIP through some algae!
I know you weren’t responding to me but mine is a 125. I have 5 crabs and 4 snails currently. Too few?
I have a 120 with 5 astrea, 2 turbo, 5 hermit, & a conch
