eco23
Aquarium Advice Addict
Mr. Limpet said:Maybe I got the wrong kind of otos .
I'll trade some out with you. Mine are so fat from eating them I'm afraid they'll explode, lol.
Mr. Limpet said:Maybe I got the wrong kind of otos .
Osage_Winter said:Actually, I think it was me who should have read your statement more carefully; your initial post that I was responding to didn't really hint at diatoms being in your tank for "three years." I believe I misinterpreted that.
I'm told they're from a lot of things -- a new tank coming to complete cycle, water supply with silicates, the sealants inside tanks, certain foods and so on...
Tell me about it; I have a "pirate shipwreck" ornament in the center of the tank that is absolutely devoured in brown diatoms -- I have cleaned this ship down numerous times, and cannot get the leftover brown stains they have left off the sails. However, I don't see any "waving" in my water, as you're experiencing...
No problem for the link -- I hope the info helps. Seemingly, the PhosGuard has not helped me, maybe just a tad. But it's disheartening to know that your cat and snails aren't eating the diatoms, as I have been promised they do...
Why? Budget?
Yes I have 4 children and already spend enough on my fish . I alsso use a python to clean my tank so lugging containers of water would defeat the while purpose of the python!
I know the popular test kits like the Freshwater one from API (which I have) don't have tests for these parameters -- but apparently there are tests out there. I have also been advised to ask my water company about the water, but I haven't gotten around to it. I have also been advised to test the tap water myself.
Tell me about it...
BillD said:Otos will eat diatoms. They will not eat filamentous algae. They will also survive in an unheated tank.
I think I'll phone my water company and find out. I haven't tried switching food so maybe that'll help?
Sorry I'm not so good at responding using a quote...hope you can find my reply in all that
Otos will eat diatoms. They will not eat filamentous algae. They will also survive in an unheated tank.
my otos LOVE diatoms. they eat any algae my tanks have seen except BBA. I love them. I know that they can indeed survive coldwater because I recently had a tank crash, and when the temp dropped to 72* my otos were the only survivors. they're amazing little fish.
yes, I am positive it is ok to feed every other day. I've been doing it for six months or better I've even missed a few days before with no ill effects (of course I would not advise this )
Osage_Winter said:Ahhh...I see...I understand about the children element (in response to your comment).
What kind of food are you feeding now?
I feed flake food, sinking pellets, cucumber, zucchini, shrimp and blood worms... Not all at the same time if course . One thing that's happening now is the algae on the plants us still brown however the algae on the glass is green!! My poor tank needs a good scrub! How's your tank doing?
- There could be excess silicates/phosphates in your tap water. You did say there may have been a reduction of diatoms when you tried RO water, so this may be something to look into.
- It also suggests that substrate could cause diatom outbreaks. What substrate are you using?
- An overabundance of nitrAtes can contribute, but I'm sure you're watching your nitrAte levels and changing your water weekly.
Osage_Winter said:James_in_MN said:- An overabundance of nitrAtes can contribute, but I'm sure you're watching your nitrAte levels and changing your water weekly.
That may be an issue...
What are you testing your ammonia / nitrIte / nitrAte levels with? Don't use test strips, as they are notoriously inaccurate. You should be using a liquid test kit; the favorite of these forums is API Freshwater Master Test Kit, found in any chain pet store.
What are your ammonia / nitrIte / nitrAte levels currently?
I have to add that although high nitrates may be a cause, I don't think it's the case for my tank. When I first got my tank (and was a total newbie) my nitrates were always very high. Partially because of the bio load I had and not doing my pwc. Anyways I have since changed most the fish and my nitrates are kept below 20 (usually around 10) and that's when the diatoms started. Now not only do I have the diatoms I have a green sort of slimy algae on the glass?? This is making me crazy!!! Do you think taking the substrate out and scrubbing it in hot water, along with everything else covered in the tank will help? Sorry Osage don't mean to take over your thread...lol...I'm learning a lot though