Major Diatom Problem

[MrSamSir]

So I’ve had this tank for 2 months and have a major diatom problem all over the sand and front glass. Whenever I scrape i can see it all fall on the sand and it comes back a couple days later. i have a few snails but they’re totally outnumbered. any other natural way or anything that will help?

 

[Cichlid Dad]

What are you using for water?

 

[Punchanello]

I would expect some diatoms for a tank that age. As long as you are using RO water and doing water changes it should pass on time. Just the uglies and it will probably get worse before it gets better.

 

[MrSamSir]

What are you using for water?

mixed saltwater i buy from the fish store

 

[Cichlid Dad]

mixed saltwater i buy from the fish store

I would ask what kind of setup they have. I use to also buy from a large local fish store. I also was having issues. I asked the owner One day what system they're using and he said a little three stage rodi. I don't even know if they make a three stage rodi. It shows me he doesn't know much about rodi units or he is cheap, either way I ordered my own unit and never looked back

 

[PocketGoose]

I would expect some diatoms for a tank that age. As long as you are using RO water and doing water changes it should pass on time. Just the uglies and it will probably get worse before it gets better.

Agree with this. Newly established tanks are going to go through cycles, diatoms will generally clean themselves up as resources are used and microbial communities are bolstered.

Did you start with dry rock? Any idea what your nutrient levels are like?

 

[thedon986]

Are you sure this is diatoms? What are you topping off evaporation with?

 

[Court_Appointed_Hypeman]

I would just leave it be and scrape the glass, it will help build up a pod population if you have introduced them.

I would try to keep an eye on it in case it is dinos, at first glance I thought it was but just realized its on the glass and not flowing off the rocks. Though at 2 months, diatoms are to be expected.

 

[Reef Devils]

So I’ve had this tank for 2 months and have a major diatom problem all over the sand and front glass. Whenever I scrape i can see it all fall on the sand and it comes back a couple days later. i have a few snails but they’re totally outnumbered. any other natural way or anything that will help?

I am going through the same problem at the moment. My tank is 3 months old. The diatoms are harmless. They will go away on their own. I heard that Mixing up the sand may help. Should go ways in 1-2-3 weeks

 

[LilsReefTank]

Brightwell has some great bacteria products. I usually will put some in as soon as I see anything growing that I don't like. IMO it has done wonders - I never went thru an ugly phase for any of my tanks.

**can be expensive tho >.<

 

[Reef Devils]

Brightwell has some great bacteria products. I usually will put some in as soon as I see anything growing that I don't like. IMO it has done wonders - I never went thru an ugly phase for any of my tanks.

**can be expensive tho >.<

Diatoms are definitely something that make your tank look bad but they are harmless. They will go way on there own and you tank should be back to normal soon. If you want to use IMO that could be a good idea.