what is this

Discussion in 'Algae' started by milo, Dec 5, 2009.

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  1. milo

    milo Plankton

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    what kind of algea is this and how do i get rid of it
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  3. anpgp

    anpgp Dragon Wrasse

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    Looks like your common diatoms. How old is the tank and has it gone through it's complete cycle?
     
  4. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    those look like diatoms Milo

    its a pretty new tank and these are common, but
    Diatoms utilise silicates to construct themselves, so in new tanks, with all the new plastics thus high silicate levels Diatom blooms are very very common

    once the silicates are exhuasted, the Diatoms can no longer contruct themselves and they dissapear

    they often arrive between weeks 4 and 8 on a new set up tank
    and by week 10 and 12 - your tank goes back to being as clean as the day you set it up

    nothing required at all on your part - other than make sure you dont add more silicates - say for example from tap water?

    if you add a new wavemaker or other plastic item in the future, you can and often do experience diatoms on that new piece of equipment but again its very short lived IME

    Steve
     
  5. milo

    milo Plankton

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    k thanks my take has ben up for 5 months but about a month ago i adden a sump over flow box skimmer and nitrate reactor and i check my level's every day and they are all zero except ammonia its 0.25 but i have got some kents pro ammonia and it has not droped what should i do i have 7 snails and 7 blue and red hermit crabs and a emrald crab i dont want to loose them
     
  6. milo

    milo Plankton

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    and two clowns
     
  7. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    I would get the ammonia test kit double checked 1st
    I reckon there have been a number of knee jerk reactions to test kit readings, that where actually inaccurate test results - what kit is it please?

    has anything in your tank died recently?

    the addition of the sump and overflows etc , will account for the diatom bloom, but again, no action required , let it run its course.

    Steve
     
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  9. milo

    milo Plankton

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    its a saltwater master liquid test kit byaquarium pharmaceuticals
     
  10. GoToSleep

    GoToSleep Torch Coral

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    I agree with the diatom bloom. My tank had a huge bloom that went away almost as quick as it came.
     
  11. reef4girl

    reef4girl Feather Duster

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    The color on the API between 0 and .25 is close in color . in different light the color will look different. I use sunlight to read my test.