Diatom Bloom

Discussion in 'Algae' started by dustin0479, Mar 19, 2011.

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  1. dustin0479

    dustin0479 Peppermint Shrimp

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    My tank has been up for about 1.5 months and cycled a 2 weeks ago. I have used all RODI water from the start. I have about 10 cerith and 10 nassarius snails in there with a yellow tang. Today I noticed what appears to be a small Diatom Bloom. I just started running my skimmer today for the first time. I am also doing a 10% water change tomorrow. Any other advice?
    [​IMG]
     
    dustin0479, Mar 19, 2011
    dustin0479, Mar 19, 2011
    #1

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  2. SushiGirl

    SushiGirl Barracuda

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    Very common in new tanks, and also any time new plastic equipment is added. The diatoms will consume the silicates from the plastic (or sand/rock), then die out on their own.
     
    SushiGirl, Mar 19, 2011
    SushiGirl, Mar 19, 2011
    #2
  3. exactlyobp

    exactlyobp Giant Squid

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    ohhhh, itll only get worse, sorry to say. Just be patient.
     
    exactlyobp, Mar 20, 2011
    exactlyobp, Mar 20, 2011
    #3
  4. dustin0479

    dustin0479 Peppermint Shrimp

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    Yeah it is getting worse..... When first turn on the lights it is almost invisible but after a few hours LOOK OUT
     
    dustin0479, Mar 21, 2011
    dustin0479, Mar 21, 2011
    #4
  5. exactlyobp

    exactlyobp Giant Squid

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    In my case, it lasted for like 3 weeks? But it sure as hell felt like 3 months.
     
    exactlyobp, Mar 22, 2011
    exactlyobp, Mar 22, 2011
    #5
  6. Kllrfsh

    Kllrfsh Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    All part of the process, looks like your tank is coming right on along! I had a tank that had three different outbreaks of diatoms. It'll get nasty, ugly and most likely pretty disgusting, but it's really showing that you're doing something right. Keep up the good work and the patience. I'm looking forward to seeing pictures when it's up and running full-tilt.

    Cheers.
     
    Kllrfsh, Mar 22, 2011
    Kllrfsh, Mar 22, 2011
    #6

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  7. dustin0479

    dustin0479 Peppermint Shrimp

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    The bloom continues. Should I move my frags and the tang to another tank during this ?
     
    dustin0479, Mar 23, 2011
    dustin0479, Mar 23, 2011
    #7
  8. Zoanthids21

    Zoanthids21 McKoscker’s Flasher Wrasse

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    No, just blow it off the frags if it gets to close.

    This is a normal problem in new tanks. It will take its course soon.
     
    Zoanthids21, Mar 23, 2011
    Zoanthids21, Mar 23, 2011
    #8
  9. irr0001

    irr0001 Purple Tang

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    As stated above..just ride it out. It happens in nearly every tank after setup. IME, the bloom lasts 2-3 weeks. It will definitely get worse. The last tank I set up was nearly entirely brown at one point. Then one day it started to disappear and never saw it again.
     
    irr0001, Mar 23, 2011
    irr0001, Mar 23, 2011
    #9
  10. dustin0479

    dustin0479 Peppermint Shrimp

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    Should I continue my 5g weekly water changes? It looks like a war zone in there!
     
    dustin0479, Mar 25, 2011
    dustin0479, Mar 25, 2011
    #10
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