Vacuuming Diatoms

[SurfTrack]

Is vacuuming the diatoms on my sand a bad idea? Should I just let it be until it goes away? I just made 20 gallons of water and I don't know what to do.

 

[Billdogg]

That's about the easiest way to keep them under control. That, and cyanobacteria. I use a very fine filter sock tied to a length of tubing. Put the filter sock in the sump, start a siphon with the hose and suck it out. that way there's no real limit as to how much you can get to. Afterwards, do a normal water change and call it a day.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Also, an increase in flow in the tank may help if near sand level, but not too low it blows sand around. They will eventually give up in defeat and go away.

 

[SurfTrack]

Also, an increase in flow in the tank may help if near sand level, but not too low it blows sand around. They will eventually give up in defeat and go away.

The last time I did a big water change and vacuumed the sand, diatoms spiked. Thats why I am hesitant.

 

[flchamp89]

The last time I did a big water change and vacuumed the sand, diatoms spiked. Thats why I am hesitant.

Do you have DSB?

 

[SurfTrack]

Do you have DSB?

No