No luck with what I think are diatoms

[fredmertz]

I have a fine brown algae-like growth on most of my ornaments and fake plants. I think they are diatoms.

I added a phosphate filter media and a UV sterilizer, but it doesn't seem to be helping.

Phosphate levels are 0.25.

When I first added the phosphate media it seemed to help for a few days, but no more.

I've had it for a few weeks and when I clean off the ornaments at a water change, it comes back.

You can see it on the vase and one side of the fake plant leaves in the background.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[jcolon]

Diatoms use silica to form their shells which give them the brown color. Diatoms are common in newer tanks and may not completely go away if your PWC source is rich in silica.

See the link for more info
Brown Diatom Algae Control | Aquariums Life

 

[fredmertz]

Diatoms use silica to form their shells which give them the brown color. Diatoms are common in newer tanks and may not completely go away if your PWC source is rich in silica.

See the link for more info
Brown Diatom Algae Control | Aquariums Life

I guess I should test for silicates -- although the Phos-Zorb is supposed to get rid of it as well as phosphates.