Starting to get some diatom algae in my 120. On my tank walls and on my larger-left amazons. What causes this??
What eats it??
What eats it??
What causes Diatoms??
- Thread starter tanker
- Start date
I think You right--not enough light. Took out the combo bulbs (actinic used for SW). Have not got new plant bulbs yet.
What eats it?? Beside snails.
BN plecos/otos may munch on it..
Have you added any new substrate/wood/stones to the tank?? your tap water may contain silicates as well...
Have you added any new substrate/wood/stones to the tank?? your tap water may contain silicates as well...
It is in my 120 not my 100. The 100 gal has been up and running for almost 25 years (over 10 years in present location).
The 120 use to be a reef but was changed to FW this year. It has Eco as a base with about one inch of black gravel over it. I am using my SW light but have removed all the actinic bulbs---so there is less light. Need to get new bulbs for FW.
If I can catch one or two of my BN I will move them over to the 120. I would prefer to leave my ottos in my 100gal.
Yeah give bn's a couple nights in that tank and all the diatoms will be gone.
Here's a thread with pics of the tank with diatoms before and after the pleco ate it all:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194241
Here's a thread with pics of the tank with diatoms before and after the pleco ate it all:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194241
I call my eco complete 75g my diatom tank. It's been going for ~3 years & I still have diatoms, not as much as early on. SAEs graze a bit but don't remove it all, nor do otos. I think I'll move my small BN & see if he helps, The anubias' look bad, I taken then out to clean a couple times but it just comes back.
Was not easy but caught two of my BN from my 100gal. Tranfered into my 120. The other fishes left them alone. Stressed them and they hid right away (they normally are out in the morning).
A few days later ==== WOW---The diatoms are almost gone!!
I think I will keep them in the 120.
I've heard everything from low light, silicates, phosphates, and trace ammonia mentioned when discussing the causes of diatoms. The first two seem to be the most popular reasons, but I have yet to see a controlled experiment to diagnose the root problem.
bn will eat the hell out of that stuff, i put some babies in my 55 and within 12 hours it was gone