For me diatoms are inevitable anytime I use sand. I recently added sand to an established barebottom tank so I could add a haddoni and sure enough I now have diatoms
I. Just roll with it
I. Just roll with it
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Same experience here.For me diatoms are inevitable anytime I use sand. I recently added sand to an established barebottom tank so I could add a haddoni and sure enough I now have diatoms
I. Just roll with it
I'm assuming in an established or well-established system the diatoms come and go just as quick since you already have all that biodiversity going on?Same experience here.
Keep in mind I’m always dosing silica once a week.I'm assuming in an established or well-established system the diatoms come and go just as quick since you already have all that biodiversity going on?
Yes. Most sponges require silica (just like diatoms). Sponges are also filter feeders, so lots of particulate food, silica, and lack of predation is the recipe (IMO) for sponge growth.Is it true if you naturally have higher amounts of silicates that sponges will start to grow in the dimmer areas of the tank or sump?
Turned out as diatoms at first then I guess cyano took over. I've just been hammering the probio to it and it's dieing off pretty fast.For the record, the Seachem silicate test kit (and all of the ones available in the US) are not very good. If you want to be sure about your silicate levels, an ICP test would be the best way.
If it persists, consider getting it under a microscope to make sure it's not something else.
What microscope would be recommended so I can use my phone? Also what would be the ideal magnification to see anything that may show up to identify?