Is it true that if you have diatoms, that your tank is cycled? The guy at my LFS told me this. My ammonia and nitrite levels show 0, but I don't have a nitrate test kit. The tank has been set up for a month and I purchased already cycled live rock that had been in an established aquarium (35 pounds). My tank is a 29 gallon.
Diatoms question
- Thread starter alzika
- Start date
sir_dudeguy
Active member
Not necessarily. A lot of times i've had the diatoms pop up during the cycle when amonia was still present.
And if your amonia and nitrite are 0, then your cycle is done anyways. That is the ONLY way you should decide your cycle is done. Not by the fact that you've got diatoms, or "the rock doesnt smell anymore" (i've heard that one before)
But imo you're prolly ready to go. Give it at least another week or 2. Start with a few cerith snails (they're the best cleaners in general, and will get rid of that diatom bloom pretty quick if you have enough of them) and a week later maybe add your first fish. But take it slow tho. Dont throw everytyhing in all at once
And if your amonia and nitrite are 0, then your cycle is done anyways. That is the ONLY way you should decide your cycle is done. Not by the fact that you've got diatoms, or "the rock doesnt smell anymore" (i've heard that one before)
But imo you're prolly ready to go. Give it at least another week or 2. Start with a few cerith snails (they're the best cleaners in general, and will get rid of that diatom bloom pretty quick if you have enough of them) and a week later maybe add your first fish. But take it slow tho. Dont throw everytyhing in all at once
