Diatoms

[rferraro21]

Tank has been up for about 5 weeks. I have what I believe to be diatoms (my first tank so going by what I've read). Zero ammonia, zero nitrites, nitrate about 5 to 7, pH is 8.2, temp 81. I run an LED light from noon to 7 which is blue light at all other times. It has about a 5 days since the diatoms started, how long do they typically last and is there anything I should be doing? Are they harmful to inhabitants?

 

[cloak]

What kind of water are you using, RO/DI or tap?

https://www.reefcleaners.org/nuisance-algae-id-guide

 

[rferraro21]

I am using LFS water currently, but I haven't done a water change yet. When I do I will be using LFS again for now

 

[rferraro21]

Here is a picture

 

[1994anthony]

Looks fine nitrates aren't bad. Could add a small CUC and do a water change to bring down nitrates a little more. Then observe if they stay the same or rise after adding the cUc. If they stay same just let them eat the algae it's not harmful. Will be good for cuc

 

[1994anthony]

Observe nitrates after adding cuc for a week. Or two. Routine water changes now and then a maybe a few chromis and some mushrooms/ zoas to look at (;

 

[1994anthony]

If you wanna play it super safe just lessen you light time and observe nitrates until they are below 5. Should be fine though!

 

[rferraro21]

If you wanna play it super safe just lessen you light time and observe nitrates until they are below 5. Should be fine though!

Thanks! Over the weekend we added 14 hermits and 8 turbo snails, they are making quick work of the algae, I'm amazed. Also changed the led to just turn off instead of turn blue at night. Turned off all red and green light from LED and turned white down to 60% as well.