I've posted in a couple of threads about my diatom infestation (yes, it has progressed further than just an ugly annoyance) and have spent quite a bit of time reading other posts in an attempt to find out what to do to eliminate it. There appears to be a lot of information that I've seen enough times to take as universal truths: high levels of silicates and/or phosphates lead to diatoms, otos eat them, etc. However, there is very little information that I can find about how to eliminate them, other than to wait. Well, I've been waiting for about 5 months and they still stubbornly continue to exist, as if they don't know they are not supposed to.
What I'd like to find out is what to test my water for, how to test it (because the LFS didn't have a phosphate or silicate test kit), and how to make an adjustment based on the test results that will eliminate the problem. Is there a filter or a medium that will help remove the offending substance and reduce the diatoms. I've also tried reading about diatom filters, which I know don't filter out diatoms, but seem to have some potential benefit in removing more potential bad substances from the water.
Seriously, this diatom thing is getting old. I'm having to remove everything from my tank on a monthly basis to phsyically clean the diatoms off. I'd very much appreciate any advice from those of you who made your diatoms go away by some other method than time.
Thanks,
Alan
What I'd like to find out is what to test my water for, how to test it (because the LFS didn't have a phosphate or silicate test kit), and how to make an adjustment based on the test results that will eliminate the problem. Is there a filter or a medium that will help remove the offending substance and reduce the diatoms. I've also tried reading about diatom filters, which I know don't filter out diatoms, but seem to have some potential benefit in removing more potential bad substances from the water.
Seriously, this diatom thing is getting old. I'm having to remove everything from my tank on a monthly basis to phsyically clean the diatoms off. I'd very much appreciate any advice from those of you who made your diatoms go away by some other method than time.
Thanks,
Alan