Brown Diatom algae

[drj1259]

i have only been in SW conditions for about 3 weeks i think. Anyways my base rock appears to be growing brown diatom algae on it. Is this ok because everything i have heard is that brown diatom algae is bad and since my puffer will most likely eat any CUC i dont know what else i could do to keep this from becoming a big problem its beginning to grow in the sand too( and yes i stir the sand though)...i have cured live rock in the tank also . Any advice would be great

[bigfatfish]

Seems to be a phase that new SW tanks have to go through - stick with it & it will settle down as your tank stabilises - mine did!

[drj1259]

ok just makes me nervous lol i dont want a massive bloom... but its not on the glass or ne thing yet just an the base rock and sand not even on the live rock

[Arny]

Hey do you use RO water?

I'm sure I've read before that using tap water will lead to Brown Diatom algae

[El Scorpio]

Hey do you use RO water?

I'm sure I've read before that using tap water will lead to Brown Diatom algae

It will, indeed.

Diatoms require silicates and phosphorous to grow. The most common source of silicates is from tap water (silicates are added to tap water by most utilities as a rust inhibitor for water pipes), so one solution would be to use RO water instead. Finding some sort of filter media that absorbs phosphate and silicate would also help a ton. I use PhosBan in my aquarium to help keep the phosphates in check, and while I do have some algae it doesn't have the resources to explode out of control.

Also, if you're having trouble with stuff growing on the sand, get a sleeper goby. I have one, and he keeps the sand so stirred up nothing gets the chance to grow on it.

[drj1259]

would the gsp be ok with it??

[jus85411]

your going to have to ask your GSP that one

[Arny]

would the gsp be ok with it??

Yes when using a RODI unit it takes all the rubbish out of the water making it really pure. Your GSP will benifit from it

[drj1259]

lol ya i guess but he doesnt seem to talk back

[drj1259]

Yes when using a RODI unit it takes all the rubbish out of the water making it really pure. Your GSP will benifit from it

but arent these expensive im kinda limited on cash till wife gets her new job

[Arny]

Yes when using a RODI unit it takes all the rubbish out of the water making it really pure. Your GSP will benifit from it

but arent these expensive im kinda limited on cash till wife gets her new job

You can buy RO water from your LFS for around £2/£3 per 5gallons/25liters

I've bought one from here, it was about £50 delivered, some cost £100 so this is a good deal. Just waiting for it to be delivered:-
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/4-STAGE-AQUARIUM- ... 3cad1ab649

[bigfatfish]

Or fit your own RODI unit under the kitchen sink - mine cost about £90

[Pufferpunk]

library/water-filtration/brownalgaediatoms/

[RTR]

RODI does not remove "rubbish" selectively - that is a way over-broad statement. It removes dissolved minerals which may or may not be needed or desired.

Phosphorous/phosphate is an absolute requirement for plants, algae, microbes, infusoria, inverts and higher animals on this planet. It is not "rubbish". Excess can certainly be an issue in semi-closed systems such as our tanks, but too energetic removal is highly dangerous.

[Arny]

RODI does not remove "rubbish" selectively - that is a way over-broad statement. It removes dissolved minerals which may or may not be needed or desired.

Phosphorous/phosphate is an absolute requirement for plants, algae, microbes, infusoria, inverts and higher animals on this planet. It is not "rubbish". Excess can certainly be an issue in semi-closed systems such as our tanks, but too energetic removal is highly dangerous.

Would you not recommend useing a RODI unit?