Hey everyone, I think I just got through my diatoms phase and it got me thinking a little.
I bought some snails pretty early in the diatom phase and they have done an amazing job cleaning up. I don't see any diatoms left and I'm sure they're just snipping in the butt before it can actually take off.
But is this what is wanted? I know that diatoms need silicates and when they run out the diatoms tend to fade. So I guess I'm wondering if the snails are just prolonging it? The silicates might still be in the tank and without them running out will the next phase of the algae ever come? Or is it just coincidence that the silicates depleted as I got the snails?
Let me know your thoughts!
I bought some snails pretty early in the diatom phase and they have done an amazing job cleaning up. I don't see any diatoms left and I'm sure they're just snipping in the butt before it can actually take off.
But is this what is wanted? I know that diatoms need silicates and when they run out the diatoms tend to fade. So I guess I'm wondering if the snails are just prolonging it? The silicates might still be in the tank and without them running out will the next phase of the algae ever come? Or is it just coincidence that the silicates depleted as I got the snails?
Let me know your thoughts!
