Diatom bloom

[goldenboy]

Back again with another question. When the diatom bloom hits and the brown blooms begin overtaking the LR, should these be gently removed or scrubbed with a brush to remove them or does the process take care of itself? Are there certain supplements that I need to be adding to aid the process and encourage beneficial algae growth? Sorry if my questions seem elementary, but thanks for your help.

 

[JM]

Just do your normal PWCs and the algae will die off on its own. Its like a cycle. For the most part it will grow fast and get really dark then just go away.

 

[melosu58]

I agree that it will just go away. No supplements needed just PWC`s.

 

[goldenboy]

Thanks. I've read different views on doing PWC's while cycling / curing LR, so I wasn't sure. I appreciate your advice, I'll keep up with the PWC's and go from there.

 

[JM]

Well if you are cycling then it is a totally different story. You didnt say that in your original post. I wouldnt do a PWC during your cycle it is only going to make it take longer. diatom blooms are normal for a cycling and freshly cycled tank. Are you using lights. If so there is really no need to use them during the cycle. I cycled my tank in the dark to cut down on this type of thing. Doesn't stop it, but does limit it. Diatom problems should clear up within a few weeks of the end of the cycle.

 

[melosu58]

Now that you mention cycling then if you do PWC`s it will slow your cycle up. Sometimes people want to do it but just realize it might make your cycle longer.

 

[goldenboy]

Okay, thanks. Sorry for not being more clear. I have been using the lights but only on a limited basis (6 hrs a day), but I'll stop using them if that won't cause problems.

Thanks again!