PDA

View Full Version : Is this Diatoms? Or some other Algae


clown-lover
06-19-2007, 11:07 PM
I'm wondering if this fuzzy stuff on my syphon box is Diatoms (sp?) or if it is the start of some sort of hair algae?? It is also growing on the glass of my aqarium but I'm able to scrape that off.

Thanks in Advance to anyone that can help.. I have more pictures but this one shows it the best.
Nolapete
06-19-2007, 11:15 PM
Looks like diatoms to me.

Addition: and the start of a growth of hair algae on top of it.
clown-lover
06-19-2007, 11:25 PM
Looks like diatoms to me.

Addition: and the start of a growth of hair algae on top of it.

Great.. Thats what the tank had when I bought it from my friend.. How can I eradicate this garbage for good??

Mark
Nolapete
06-19-2007, 11:29 PM
Based on what you have listed in your sig, I'd say more janitors, particularly snails.

http://www.garf.org/algae2/janitor.html is a great source of information.

I've seen some posts recently that may provide you with alternative/better sources if you don't like the idea of a package/per gallons.
clown-lover
06-19-2007, 11:32 PM
Based on what you have listed in your sig, I'd say more janitors, particularly snails.

http://www.garf.org/algae2/janitor.html is a great source of information.

I've seen some posts recently that may provide you with alternative/better sources if you don't like the idea of a package/per gallons.

I have a LFS that I'll get them at.. I live in the upper mid-west and everyone charges and Arm and a Leg to ship up here...

Any specific type of snails, or will just regular old Turbo Snails do the trick??
Nolapete
06-19-2007, 11:33 PM
Read on that link, it has a lot of specific information. There's a particular snail that eats hair algae and I believe a hermit as well that does. Diatom eating hermits/snails are fairly common.
clown-lover
06-19-2007, 11:36 PM
Ok.. Will do.. Thanks Pete...
SigPiPup
06-20-2007, 1:57 PM
Also, you can take a look at this link to...http://www.etropicals.com/product/scateg.cfm?siteid=45&pCatId=1805&ref=3788&subref=AE
I'm considering it. If you spend $60 the shipping is free.
clown-lover
07-12-2007, 11:13 PM
Ok so continuing in the vien that I started to develop Diatoms Algae.. Does it like disappear.. Overnight???

One day I still had brown on my rocks, sand etc.. Did a water change this week on tuesday and its gone.. No sign of it..

Is that the way it normally happens? Or is my Sleeper Headed Goby doing that good of a job?
Tikidude
07-12-2007, 11:18 PM
The Diatoms will disappear. It's freaky! I also have some snails and hermits eating stuff, but there is no way they cleaned the tank overnight.
SHK_ATK
07-12-2007, 11:38 PM
gravel vacs and water changes get rid of diatoms as well TRUST ME I get them (like now) and I do GV and PWC and it goes away.
clown-lover
07-12-2007, 11:54 PM
gravel vacs and water changes get rid of diatoms as well TRUST ME I get them (like now) and I do GV and PWC and it goes away.

So is this something that can continuously come back, or is it a new tank only thing?
Gildurath
07-13-2007, 3:47 PM
If you overfeed they will come back. So yes it is not something you can just eliminate. I bought a lownmower blenny, and he cleaned the entire back of my tank in one night. Normally I use a magnetic brush to clean them off, but I knew I was getting him in a few days, he was in QT at the LFS still, so I let it grow, and he cleaned it all up in one night.
mrtuskfish
07-13-2007, 4:59 PM
Diatoms are a natural part of the new tank cycle. Excess diatom growth in an established tank can be the standard culprit,overfeeding; or too much silicate or phosphate.