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Unread 04/24/2019, 08:28 AM   #1
j.falk
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Question Diatoms ?

Are diatoms on the sand bed more prevalent when there isn't enough water circulation in the aquarium?


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Unread 04/24/2019, 10:07 AM   #2
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Diatoms are primarily fueled by silicates, which get released into the water column by new sand. The problem usually self-corrects once all the silicates have been used up. Most snails will eat diatoms.


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Unread 04/24/2019, 10:16 AM   #3
mcgyvr
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I have not seen a correlation that could be proven


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Unread 04/24/2019, 11:46 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcgyvr View Post
I have not seen a correlation that could be proven
https://www.advancedaquarist.com/200...ure1#section-1

https://www.nature.com/articles/17351


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Unread 04/24/2019, 12:08 PM   #5
mcgyvr
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I meant correlations between diatoms and flow...
Sorry I didnt clarify..... Silica of course.. Duh..


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Unread 04/24/2019, 04:13 PM   #6
j.falk
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I used Ocean's Direct live sand in my 34 gallon and never had a diatom bloom in the 2 years it was set up.

The 20 gallon I set up three weeks ago I used Fiji pink live sand and it's having a full blown diatom bloom right now. Is this a common issue when using Fiji pink...or can it come from any type of sand used?


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Unread 04/24/2019, 09:13 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by j.falk View Post
The 20 gallon I set up three weeks ago I used Fiji pink live sand and it's having a full blown diatom bloom right now. Is this a common issue when using Fiji pink...or can it come from any type of sand used?
It will happen when using any silica based sand. Not so much with a carbonate based sand. The diatom bloom should be over in 2-3 weeks max.


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Unread 04/25/2019, 03:42 AM   #8
j.falk
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Thumbs up

Thank you.


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Unread 04/25/2019, 04:41 AM   #9
mcgyvr
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A diatom issue is very...very common in a new tank and most do not use silica based sand in this hobby..

as stated it will typically clear in a few weeks.. Just one part of the "ugly stages"...
The order of arrival is typically diatoms then green film/hair algae then sometimes cyano..
All are very common and I have never seen any proven correlation to it being better or worse with any specific aragonite/carbonate sand brand..


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Unread 04/25/2019, 05:55 AM   #10
j.falk
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I'm thinking it might've been the protein skimmer, understocking and light feeding that kept the 34 gallon from having this issue. In the 2 years it was set up, I never once had any problems with diatoms, hair algae or cyano in it.


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