Should I clean or not?

Discussion in 'Algae' started by Midnight_Madman, Nov 10, 2014.

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  1. Midnight_Madman

    Midnight_Madman Montipora Digitata

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    My tank is about 2 months old. I am getting serious brown diatom algae on my rock... I cleaned it twice but of course within a day its back. Should I just let it build up thick, or should I keep cleaning it off periodically? I am using ro/di water and running a 216 T5 fixture. I also thought about cutting the light down.. or should I just let it go full?
     
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  3. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    it may be diatoms that will be self limiting once the silicates are used up although you are at the outer edge of time that they should be going away. I might cut back a little on the lights although if it's diatoms, that won't make a difference. Bump for your question!
     
  4. Billme

    Billme Eyelash Blennie

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    It seems like they just have to run their course. They'll go away on their own. As ofk said, the silicates will eventually get used up. Not sure if there is anything that will spurred up the process.
     
  5. Midnight_Madman

    Midnight_Madman Montipora Digitata

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    Hi cleaned it off last night and just took pic now
     

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  6. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    it does look like diatoms with a little bit of cyano - I'd let them run their course, I know it's yucky looking and I'm sure tempting to want to clean it off but you're working against yourself by doing that.....
     
  7. Midnight_Madman

    Midnight_Madman Montipora Digitata

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    I have some pulsing xenia, a mushroom and some tiny green star polyps. Will it ruin them if I leave it to grow too much?
     
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  9. Midnight_Madman

    Midnight_Madman Montipora Digitata

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    My nitrates are very low like 10-15.. would it help at all to do a 20% water change? I am close to due for one soon anyway
     
  10. Midnight_Madman

    Midnight_Madman Montipora Digitata

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    Pretty much 0-.10 phosphates
     
  11. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    those are hardy corals that shouldn't be bothered by the diatoms. If you're due for a water change, I'd go for it. 10-15 is not super low on nitrates imo
     
  12. Midnight_Madman

    Midnight_Madman Montipora Digitata

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    Thanks. I did the water change yesterday. I left the lights off today. I do get some natural light in the room.. but not direct