Is diatom algae tacky/sticky?

[Zero_Cool]

I have a 3 month old tank going through what I figure is ugly phase 1 diatoms. Should diatoms be easily blown off rock surfaces or do they stick? What I have does not blow off with a turkey baster.

 

[Saltyreef]

Normal. Especially for dry rock or rock without established coraline. Diatoms dont blow away easily all the time.
This will last for a few to 6 months before disappearing.

Mine always start with light diatoms on sand, followed by glass sand and rock GHA...then after adding CUC the algae slowly receeds to just a gold dusting on the rocks.

Just keep doing daily cleaning maintenance, remove any algae you can and let it ride.

 

[Zero_Cool]

Normal. Diatoms dont blow away easily all the time.
This will last for a few to 6 months before disappearing.

Mine always start with light diatoms on sand, followed by glass sand and rock GHA...then after adding CUC the algae slowly receeds to just a gold dusting on the rocks.

Just keep doing daily cleaning maintenance, remove any algae you can and let it ride.

Thank you