Brown Diatoms Beware!

I actually remember reading some article about diatom feeding off of silica, maybe you should look into that. In either case, nerites and otos will clean it up well.

Most of what I hear (or read) says it's silica from the tank. Diatoms do need silica though.
 
Cleaning crew update

Brown algae has become a thing of the past. Here's a couple pics of the cleaning crew...

Snails5-8-10010.jpg


5-8-10002.jpg


They even clean the underside of the lid :)

Snails5-8-10005.jpg
 
Wow, wonderful job they do!
 
Razzo, really great looking comps and calvus! I ordered precisely the same zebras (from Ms) for my Tang setup and they do a fantastic job. Well done.

A note about diatoms, from personal experience. High silica levels are a significant factor. I fought diatoms and then decided to test silica levels (Seachem test kit) in my tap water. Ideal levels are below 1 unit. My tapwater is off the chart at 25+. I added RowaPhos chemical media to my filters (absorbs silicate as well) and problem solved. That said, snails >>> RowaPhos
 
This guy is amazing. Very nice fish, Razzo.

Just to help the mods keep this post in the Rift Lake Board (where all my buddies are), here is a picture of the daddy to my calvus fry. He is the dark male in the top of the photo.... almost Inkfin dark, aye?

Altos007.jpg
 
Razzo, really great looking comps and calvus! I ordered precisely the same zebras (from Ms) for my Tang setup and they do a fantastic job. Well done.

A note about diatoms, from personal experience. High silica levels are a significant factor. I fought diatoms and then decided to test silica levels (Seachem test kit) in my tap water. Ideal levels are below 1 unit. My tapwater is off the chart at 25+. I added RowaPhos chemical media to my filters (absorbs silicate as well) and problem solved. That said, snails >>> RowaPhos

I have tested for Phosphates but not silica?

If the snails were not doing the job, I might seriously consider the media you suggested. I don't see much of the diatoms anymore and they are now food for my snails. As long as I can't see them and they are feeding the snails :popcorn:I wouldn't wnat to remove a foiod source for the little guys :)

Btw: thanks for the kudos :)
 
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