Diatoms?

likwid · #1 01-02-2009, 12:45 AM

Hey guys,

I have had my JBJ Nanocube HQI running for 4 months now, and about two months ago the top layer of my sand started to get a fuzzy yellowish brown substance all over it. I am assuming these are diatoms, but from what I read they are a normal part of initial cycle and should not last long. I have had these for over 2 months, and they are showing no sign of slowing down at all.

Are these indeed diatoms? Is there anything I can do to get rid of it?

I tried pointing a powerhead at the sand, but that didn't help much at all. I tried sifting the sand and burrying the top layer under new sand, but the next day it would appear again. Arg, my tank used to look so beautiful, but this brown sand bed ruins everything.

Gools · #2 01-02-2009, 12:49 AM

I can take a few months to get rid of them. Are you using RO water, and skimming right now? Not sure of your fish/coral load, or any of your specs, but you might also be leading in cyno.

likwid · #3 01-02-2009, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gools

I can take a few months to get rid of them. Are you using RO water, and skimming right now? Not sure of your fish/coral load, or any of your specs, but you might also be leading in cyno.

Using 0 TDS RO/DI water for water changes and top ups. In my 30g tank, I have 1 randalls goby and 1 clown fish with bubble tip anemone. I also have various corals and a DIY refugium with chaeto in the back.

Rbacchiega · #4 01-02-2009, 01:14 AM

Likwid...what sort of clean up crew do you have in the tank?

likwid · #5 01-02-2009, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rbacchiega

Likwid...what sort of clean up crew do you have in the tank?

I have 2 turbo snails, 2 left handed hermit crabs, 5 blue leg hermits, 2 sand sifting snails and a cleaner shrimp.

Rbacchiega · #6 01-02-2009, 01:17 AM

well, the cleanup crew is in order...what's your maintenance schedule like? Diatoms do take quite a while to get rid of, infact I have one tank that always has a small number of them....

likwid · #7 01-02-2009, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rbacchiega

well, the cleanup crew is in order...what's your maintenance schedule like? Diatoms do take quite a while to get rid of, infact I have one tank that always has a small number of them....

15% water change once a week. Here is a pic of it taken from my cell phone, hopefully the quality if good enough for you guys to make it out.