Diatoms?

zwisham

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Hi guys,

Are these/ is this diatoms? It's all over my substrate.

image0 (1).jpeg
 

MERKEY

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Looks like it to me.

How long have you had your tank?

What live stock do you have?
 

ernestg

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Here are some additional photos

IMG_0194.jpg IMG_0192.jpg IMG_0191.jpg
hard to tell without a microscope to id. If tank was newly setup it might be Diatoms as an educated guess. A newly set up tank goes through a succession of algae species because the Si:N:p:K nutrient ratio changes as the tank matures. Silica is a common nutrient, the ocean averages about 3 ppm. silica is usually higher in freshwater. Thats why u get a diatom bloom when you first set up your aquarium whether its fresh or marine. But as the tank cycles, nutrient ratios start changing. nitrogen compounds start to surpass the amount of silicates not displace it. Diatoms cease being dominant and the green algae takes over. Bottom line, Diatoms are a one of the most important Alga. Every other breath you take of o2 is because of diatoms. Its a great food source for many critters. I personally use Diatoms the control my nutrients via my Diatom Dominant filtration system.
My nitrates are undetectable via hobby test kit. I dose silicates and phosphates.
 

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