How do you get rid of diatoms? I just can't seem to get them off of the glass. After like a week or so, the diartoms are covering the whole front glass. I have tested the water, and the ph is 8.3, nitrate 0 nitrite 0 ammonia 0 phosphate 0 Plz help! I really hate these algea that is growing, and I wqant to know what else I should do in order to get rid of this algea.:help:
diatom problem
- Thread starter fish guru
- Start date
Catpicklesdog
Hindsight is a wonderful thing!
I use a mag float scraper to get mine off. It's one of those jobs that needs to be done regularly. I do mine as soon as I see the slightest patch. Just a quick scrape across the glass and it's done:grinyes:
Is your tank fairly new?
It's normal for a new tank to go through a diatom stage in the beginning. Just keep your water quality good, be patient and like catpicklesdog keep on top of it by cleaning (it comes off easily). I've found in my tanks it never goes away 100% but over a week or two its growth rate slows down a lot and it practically disappears.
It's normal for a new tank to go through a diatom stage in the beginning. Just keep your water quality good, be patient and like catpicklesdog keep on top of it by cleaning (it comes off easily). I've found in my tanks it never goes away 100% but over a week or two its growth rate slows down a lot and it practically disappears.
For some reason, carbon can aid in the development of Diatoms. Not saying it causes it but helps it to grow. Also excess nutrients (too much food), poor lighting, and not frequent enough WC's all aid in it's growth.
Adding a Phosphorus absorption pad in your filter does wonders as well. Remember to change it with each filter change.
Adding a Phosphorus absorption pad in your filter does wonders as well. Remember to change it with each filter change.
well I already have a phosphate pad in the tank, and I do not overfeed at all. I am actually really careful in not doing that. Also, this tank is established. It has been up and running for about two years. Yes, I am using an ro unit for my tank so I will check the silicates. But what is the tds number? can anyone tell me? Are diatoms just an everyday chore in the marine hobby where you scrape it off?
Catpicklesdog
Hindsight is a wonderful thing!
A TDS meter tests the amount of Totally Dissolved Solids in your water. Ideally you want a reading of zero. There are various meters available ranging in price. I use one similar to this one.
I'm not convinced that it is actually diatoms as such that you're referring to on your glass. I think everybody has to scrape of a film of algae quite often from their glass. It's just one of those things:grinyes:
I'm not convinced that it is actually diatoms as such that you're referring to on your glass. I think everybody has to scrape of a film of algae quite often from their glass. It's just one of those things:grinyes: