Diatioms, how long does it take?

it reels like it's been sooo long since i've had to post in the algae section.

here's my problem on christmas day i added my vortech mp20, and since it was plastic i knew it would create silicates causing a small diatom bloom. But it's been almost a month and i still have diatoms on my powerhead *and only the powerhead*

how long does it normally take for it to go away

 

depends on the amout of silicates that are leaching, you could always remove and clean the powerhead

 

I second cleaning the powerhead. I have alga and vermitid snails and other odds and ends on mine.

 

its alot, its all over the outside and the inside

i have been wanting to raise my vortech because i think its too low as its always kicking up sand, maybe that will give me an excuse to take it off, if all i have to do is clean it and it will go away

 

Circulation powerheads do not need to be low in the tank. Their flow will deflect off of your glass in all directions moving the water all around your tank. You could probably place it a couple of inches below your water line.

 

ok, i have it placed about middle of the tank, and maybe if i place it up higher i will get more water movment at the top, as i seem to be getting more agitation on the sandbed than i do at the surface