Diatoms or Cyano (Pic)

[RonD]

Can some one ID what is on our sand bed please. Been using Kents Poly-Ox in our tank for a week now and it seems to be helping but want to make sure we are going after the right critters. This browninsh stuff doesn't seem to be sensitive to the lighting being on or off for the most part. Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[Mrs.kbmdale]

If its brownish gold and seems to be "sprinkled" it's just diatoms and they will fade.
If its growing in "patches" is deep reddish/maroon, and slimy to the touch, it is cyanobacteria.

What I see is diatoms.

Hope that helps,
Brianna:rollface:

 

[bertoni]

This type of growth is fairly common to new tanks, and usually fades on its own. They tend to contain a mixture of cyanobacteria, diatoms, and dinoflagellates, usually more of the latter two.

 

[PatMayo]

Re: Diatoms or Cyano (Pic)

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6559214#post6559214 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RonD
Been using Kents Poly-Ox in our tank for a week now and it seems to be helping but want to make sure we are going after the right critters.

I personally would not use any chemicals in my tank especially for something that is a natural part of the tank ageing process. I think the more "stuff" you put into the tank the less chance for good success you will have.

What is Poly-Ox?

Regards,

Pat

 

[bertoni]

Poly-Ox is an oxidizing agent. I'd be a bit worried about using it.