How long do diatoms last

[Mrt88]

Hi all,
just wanted to ask how long diatoms tend to last ?

I have been experiencing them for close to 3 months not with no sign of them slowing down.
if anyone has any advise that would be amazing
thank you

 

[Paul B]

I don't know but my tank is 52 years old and I still have them.

 

[tikiTorch]

Ah the ugly stage. I’ve heard of this lasting up to 6 months before but 3 months seems to be more accurate in my experience. This should not hurt any livestock. Keep your parameters in check and above all stability is key for a reef tank. Take your time.Lol I am also currently going through the ugly stage on my second tank.

 

[srobertb]

Hi all,
just wanted to ask how long diatoms tend to last ?

I have been experiencing them for close to 3 months not with no sign of them slowing down.
if anyone has any advise that would be amazing
thank you

Someone more science-y will chime in but the short answer is “until they no longer have a viable food source.” Which if I recall, is silicate. It’s typically found in most major substrates (and probably some man-made live rock). It should come and go once the silicates are expended from your sand or rock…unless it’s in your water due to poor filtration habits in which case the answer is “forever.”