getting rid of diatoms

xtopher · 01-28-2005, 10:51 PM

what is the best method and what is this caused by???

TheReefer12 · 01-28-2005, 11:43 PM

How long have you had the tank set up? What kind of water are you using? A good way of keeping diatoms from settling is by having good water flow. It will be easier to get the diatoms in the skimmer as long as they are off the bottom.

Brian

xtopher · 01-29-2005, 01:15 AM

I just upgraded from a 72 gal to a 135 and in the process had a crash (anemone sucked into ph whilst at work) so I must confess to using tap water the tank has been running for a week. maybe not a diatom problem (whaT do they look like) what I have is a beautiful brown covering on everything

Geoff · 01-29-2005, 07:35 AM

Time.

depending on how much silicates your water has the longer the diatom bloom will last. about the only cure for diatoms is sponges. the real living ones. when these start growing under the LR they will bind up the silicates so that the diatoms will not be able to. Kole tangs are great at removing diatom algae, but they are a somewhat large fish. so i would only get one if you like them and consider it a permanent addition.

G~

Doug1 · 01-29-2005, 09:55 AM

Geoff nailed it TIME is the best cure, starting off with RO/DI water will help some but theres silicates present from other sources as well so the diatoms will peak then fade away