Diatom outbreak

[Budaman]

How long does it usually last? It's been here for about 2 weeks, and its turning into a nice red slimy film on my sand. Is there anything I can add to speed up the process?

 

[Crystal A]

That sounds like Cyanobacteria. More water changes, less feeding, and increase flow in low flow areas is the way to combat it. It's not a quick and easy task though.

 

[Budaman]

What's even more intriguing, it's nearly gone in the mornings and reappears as the day goes on. Still Cyanobacteria? Would you recommend any special filters or water conditioners?

 

[Crystal A]

Yup cyano. When I first started my tank I got it pretty bad (and hair algae). The light helps it to grow at a rapid rate. I'm not a fan of adding anything to a tank all they really do is mask the real problem. It's a bandaid solution. What is your water source? Have you tested for phospates? These are some areas to start looking into to get to the root cause.

 

[Budaman]

I get my water from the LFS, I'll have to get a test for phosphates, I think that's the only thing I missing. My tank is 5 weeks old however. I don't know if that has anything to do with it?

 

[Crystal A]

Ya still new tank syndrome. I cycled for a good two months before I added a small cuc. The phosphate test won't hurt you never know what is in water nowadays. Do you have livestock or coral yet?

 

[Budaman]

Recently picked up 2 clowns, 1 anemone, and o e pice of hammer coral. In place with a clean up crew. Cuc prob about 50% completed. I'll see if I can pick up a phosphate test on my way home from work, either today or tomorrow. Right now I'm keeping the lights off, and redirected some of my water flow.

 

[mr_X]

You can't keep the lights off with an anemone and euphyllia. I would just relax and do some water changes vacuuming out what you can with each. Everyone had to go through an ugly tank stage. It's simply your turn.

 

[Crystal A]

Agree with Mr X on this one it's gonna take time and patience but in the end it's worth it.

 

[Budaman]

Awesome ! Thanks guys! I decided to reduce the time the lights are on by 2 hrs a day, so only running them about 8 hrs now. And picking up some more water from the Lfs tomorrow.