Diatoms

[ForumPete58]

Is it safe to say that because I have diatoms then my tank is not fully cycled? I have checked all of my levels numerous times and everything seems to be done. But I didn't get these diatoms until right before my tank was cycled? I believe that shrimp or crabs will take care of the diatoms; but do I need to get rid of it? Is it going to hurt my tank, or just look bad until it goes away?
Thanks

[OrionGirl]

Diatoms don't really have much to do with the cycle. They aren't harmful, but can be ugly. If you have diatoms in an established tank, they can cause a problem by covering photosynthetic animals, but in a new tank, really not a problem. I'd personally just wipe the glass clear every other week, and let the critters take care of the rest.

[ForumPete58]

How long do you think that diatoms last on average?
Thanks,

[Max]

It would depend on a couple of different things to be honest with you. When you do your water changes do you intend on useing RO/DI or distiled water? If you use reagular tap water for your changes you'll have a mini bloom every time you change your water. That can be delt with by adding extra algae eaters snails etc. to your tank. If you use RO/DI water it should fade in a few weeks after all the free silica is exhausted from your water. Either way has it's advantages it really depends on what you're planning on keeping in the tank.
hth
chris

[ForumPete58]

I use tap water for my changes. My tank has only been established for about a week and I am just now starting to get diatoms. I have not added any crabs or anything to take care of the diatoms, frankly I really don't care because I am temporary moving the tank in about a week.

[skippy2]

If your only using tap water be prepared for all kinds of nasties besides the diatoms.

[ForumPete58]

Is using tap water going to hurt my fish? Would it be alright if I were using a Protein Skimmer?
Thanks,

[Max]

The protien skimmer really wouldn't make that much difference in regards to what water you use. It will take out a little of your free floating algae etc but, none of the trace elements like heavy metals that you'll be adding to the water. Tap water probably won't harm most of your fish. It really would depend on what is in your water besides just watter ,"the list from my utility board is mind blowing". Some fish are more sensative than others but none of them are nearly as picky as inverts and I really wouldn't try any without ro or distilled water. Also if your tank has been set up for a week and you already have fish the cycle of your tank will be really bad for them. As to moving your stock around at stage of the game well.... umh your cycle will probably start over 1 week isn't much time to develop much bacteria.
hth
chris

[ForumPete58]

Actually the tank has been set up for over a month, it has only been cycled for about a week. Would it be wrong in saying that mixing bottled water with tap water would be better than nothing with doing water changes?
Thanks

[OrionGirl]

Yep, that will help. Many stores sell bottled RO/DI water--I know Walmart carries it. Not too expensive, think it was about 50 cents a gallon here, and much cheaper in other places.

[caz]

anyone know a good deal on an RO unit?