Disappearing diatoms

[jskoms]

So my tank is 3 plus moths old and I am getting what I believe to be diatoms (rust colored dust) here and there on the sand bed. In the morning, the sand is clean but by the afternoon, it is very visible. My thought is that I have a healthy pod population that is snacking during the night hours. Thoughts?

 

[jgirardnrg]

What are your PO4 and NO3 levels? Have pics of the tank?

 

[Dan_P]

So my tank is 3 plus moths old and I am getting what I believe to be diatoms (rust colored dust) here and there on the sand bed. In the morning, the sand is clean but by the afternoon, it is very visible. My thought is that I have a healthy pod population that is snacking during the night hours. Thoughts?

Diatoms can move and can do so for protection at night by diving into the sand or scrounging for nutrients.

 

[saltyhog]

Diatoms always "disappear" at night.....so do dinos. Sounds like it's probably diatoms but a video/picture under the microscope would tell for certain.