View Full Version : Diatoms
david123
08-09-2007, 7:34 PM
Hi,
What are diatoms and are they god or bad?
thanks
An algae, it looks like brown dust. Very normal in a new tank and a signal that your tank is starting to be able to support life. It will go away with some time and a clean up crew can be stocked to help with it as well. If it occurs in an established tank that is a bit different and they are a sign to a problem in your water, light, etc.
Marcus Fenix
08-09-2007, 9:37 PM
question: do diatoms start after the cycle is over or they start while cycling?
cause, I think my cycling is nearing completion and I have no diatoms yet...none what so ever. but I use Pura filtration pads in my wet/dry filter. Pura pads are suppose to filter silicates. I was told silicates are one cause of algae in the tank???????
Mine weren't noticable until after my cycle ended.
Marcus Fenix
08-09-2007, 9:50 PM
ok...nice to know. I'll keep an eye out