Diatoms....ugh!

Ok, so I have this 20g nano I've set-up. The cycle went sort of quickly because I was using partially cured LR. Either way, I watched the ammonia, NO2, and then NO3 spike, and each one fall in succession. Then levels were at 0, or at least undetectable by an API Saltwater Master Kit. Anyhow, I bought an Ocellaris Clown, and my friend broke me off several frags on Friday. Saturday the diatoms started showing...now they're obviously growing. I didn't think I would go through this, as it was already cycled. Anyhow, I have a 10g sump/fuge w/ Chaeto as well.

I guess I'm asking if the fish and corals are safe?

Help please....

PS - I have a peppermint cleaner shrimp, as I was going to get snails tomorrow...

 

Your fish and corals will be ok, the diatoms will clear in time.

 

I had a diatom bloom after putting in some new plastic. It was minor but still would grow on some coral. I just blew it off and siphoned up what I could while doing small w/c everyother day.

 

The part of the cycle you watched is just the beginning of a much longer process, it's the part that makes the water safe to add fish and some corals to but over the next 6 months to a year the bacterial colonies will mature and change a bit as the enviroment you have created works to reach a stable equalibrium.
In short you cannot completely avoid the various algae blooms that are integral to this process, just pay attention and do the tasks required to minimize their affects on you visual enjoyment in the meantime.

 

Thank you for that info and the comfort it brought me...I have a test kit on the way (should be here tomorrow), but the LFS isn't open until tomorrow, so I can't check any levels yet.

What do you suggest for the best way to deal with or help the diatom process? I'll do some searches too...

 

Get a clean up crew (CUC). Snails and hermits will clean it up in no time.

 

Well cool deal, actually that was my next step for tomorrow when the LFS opens. Some Blue hermits and some snails too.

 

fill the form out at reefcleaners, john will give you a the most comprehensive custom designed CuC recommendation possible.

ReefCleaners.org | Clean Up Crews and Macro Algae - Custom Clean Up Crews

 

Thanks Telgar! I actually did that and got the list from him. I'm going to take it with me to the store tomorrow to match it as best as possible.

 

cool, make sure you price his recommendations out on his site so you can compare to the LFS.... I bet even with shipping John is cheaper!