Diatoms?

[Nikko]

Hello kind and helpful reefers! I have what hopefully is an easy question.

Took a sample of my substrate as I have been having issues with a brown coating on my aquarium that forms once lights go on and go away when they go off. This has been going on for over a month. I don't believe it's Dinos based on their form of motion.

I believe they may be diatoms due to high silica (haven't tested but I have a diamond goby that is constantly churning the sand which may be contributing to that).

Is my belief correct or is this some other kind of critter? I plan to reduce silica if they are indeed diatoms. Any help is appreciated!

 

[vetteguy53081]

Can’t open video
Any still pics under white lighting?

 

[Mark Gray]

It is hard for me to see but I believe those are copapods. Let's see the algae

 

[Mark Gray]

Hello kind and helpful reefers! I have what hopefully is an easy question.

Took a sample of my substrate as I have been having issues with a brown coating on my aquarium that forms once lights go on and go away when they go off. This has been going on for over a month. I don't believe it's Dinos based on their form of motion.

I believe they may be diatoms due to high silica (haven't tested but I have a diamond goby that is constantly churning the sand which may be contributing to that).

Is my belief correct or is this some other kind of critter? I plan to reduce silica if they are indeed diatoms. Any help is appreciated!

Have you tested your NO3 and PO4? If it's silica Rowphos works very well

 

[Nikko]

@vetteguy53081 and @Mark Gray thank you for the responses. Lights out in the tank for the night and put my microscope back - I will take still pics tomorrow and get back. I appreciate both of your time!

 

[Cantusaurus]

I'd use Cuprisorb since it takes out all bad metals and silicates.
It could also be a bacteria or something.
I'd recommend Tropic Marin Nitriobiotic if you can find it, or Dr. Tim's Eco Balance.
Those are both AMAZING and underrated products I'd recommend you get at least one of those regardless of what happens in your tank.

 

[Nikko]

I'd use Cuprisorb since it takes out all bad metals and silicates.
It could also be a bacteria or something.
I'd recommend Tropic Marin Nitriobiotic if you can find it, or Dr. Tim's Eco Balance.
Those are both AMAZING and underrated products I'd recommend you get at least one of those regardless of what happens in your tank.

Thanks for the info!!

 

[Nikko]

Hello @vetteguy53081 and @Mark Gray . Here is the best pic I was able to take under white light. I hope this helps.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hello @vetteguy53081 and @Mark Gray . Here is the best pic I was able to take under white light. I hope this helps.

looks like ostropods and possible ostreo dino

 

[Nikko]

looks like ostropods and possible ostre

 

[Nikko]

Awe shucks, more losers to deal with lol. I will take them down though. Thanks for the ID!