Are these diatoms?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Cbryant54
  • Start date Start date
  • Tagged users Tagged users None

Cbryant54

New Member
View Badges
Joined
Nov 11, 2020
Messages
14
Reaction score
5
Location
Richardson
What state or country do you live in
Texas
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Hey all, I need help identifying this red/brown covering the sand. Tank is about a year old. It's like it's coating individual sand grains. It does not blow off with a baster, not slimy or stringy. No bubbles. Turned the lights off for two weeks but still there.
20260312_171256.jpg
20260312_171246.jpg
 
Hey all, I need help identifying this red/brown covering the sand. Tank is about a year old. It's like it's coating individual sand grains. It does not blow off with a baster, not slimy or stringy. No bubbles. Turned the lights off for two weeks but still there.
20260312_171256.jpg
20260312_171246.jpg
Yep, I have it too. I believe it diatomous algae but I am not positive. Its not really on the rockwork, mostly just the sand. As the lights go down, it recedes. I have not tried blackout treatment because it doesn't seem to be hurting anything except that it looks ugly. My tank has a lot of white light because I am keeping ornamental macroalgae and some mangroves along with coral. If you can control the colors of your light and you don't keep macroalgae, you may be able to discourage its growth by increasing the blue and decreasing the white and red since white and red encourage algae growth.
 

TOP 10 Trending Threads

WHEN PLANNING CORAL PLACEMENT, WHAT USUALLY WINS? THE FUTURE COLONY, OR THE NEXT FRAG?

  • I leave plenty of open space for large future colonies

    Votes: 4 23.5%
  • I plan for growth...but occasionally squeeze coral into tight spaces

    Votes: 6 35.3%
  • I try to balance future growth with variety now

    Votes: 4 23.5%
  • I fit in as many frags as I reasonably can

    Votes: 3 17.6%
  • One more frag always wins! Future me can solve the problem...

    Votes: 1 5.9%
  • It depends on the coral and how quickly it grows

    Votes: 1 5.9%
  • I squeeze 'em in! Survival of the fittest, baby!!

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • I’m already out of room, so apparently we know my answer...

    Votes: 1 5.9%
Back
Top
Home
Post thread…
Market
What's new