What is this? - Aquarium Advice

itafx · 12-24-2007, 11:59 AM

I'm planning to scoop out this algae, but I was wondering what it was and if there are any tricks to control it.

Params:

150 Gal tank
300W 8h/d (130 of the watts are actinic)
Excel every other day
Flourish once or twice per week
Extremely light fish load, about 20 guppy fry
Filstar 3 canister filter

Alshain · 12-24-2007, 01:21 PM

Diatoms, while not actually an algae it is more frequent with new tanks. They usually subside as the tank matures. Otto fish will snack on it.

itafx · 12-24-2007, 04:52 PM

Thanks for the answer. It makes so much sense. First, the tank has only been set up about a month. Second, when I took the plants out and washed them, the stuff kind of dissolved away instead of being stringy and since diatoms are single celled individualistic things instead of a macro type algae, it all fits. I put some turbulence in the tank with a Koralia 2 and am wondering if that might help keep it at bay too.

12-24-2007, 01:21 PM	#2
Alshain Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Tyler, TX Posts: 807 Images: 4	Diatoms, while not actually an algae it is more frequent with new tanks. They usually subside as the tank matures. Otto fish will snack on it. __________________ Remember to vote For AA! 55 Gallon Planted Tank

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12-24-2007, 04:52 PM	#3
itafx Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 402 Images: 12	Thanks for the answer. It makes so much sense. First, the tank has only been set up about a month. Second, when I took the plants out and washed them, the stuff kind of dissolved away instead of being stringy and since diatoms are single celled individualistic things instead of a macro type algae, it all fits. I put some turbulence in the tank with a Koralia 2 and am wondering if that might help keep it at bay too.