Diatom Algae

[Glenc]

My tank is a 10 gallon DYOCO2, 3 WPG, 12 hrs a day lights on, Eco-complete substrate. The tank has been up and running for a month. It has cycled. Only problem is brown diatom algae is smothering everything. New growth is fast and healthy but within a day or two it gets covered in the brown goo. Some of the older leaves are almost black. There are 5 tiger barbs and two Otto's in the tank. The otto's can't keep up. I used to get nice pearling, especially on my Hemianthus Callitrichoides "Cuba" It has stopped pearling cause it to is getting smothered. I did a phosphate test, it was 0. Is there anything I can do to get rid of this stuff? I havn't added any ferts as yet. Would ferts help or hurt? Less light, more light? Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

 

[rich311k]

Just keep wiping it off. it will go away on its own. it is common to new tanks.

 

[malkore]

as rich said, it will clear up. because they are diatoms feeding on silicates in the tank, they must run themselves out of food first.

Diatoms are tiny organisms, not true 'algae'.

 

[Glenc]

Thanks guys. I'll sit tight.