Diatoms ?

[j.falk]

Are diatoms on the sand bed more prevalent when there isn't enough water circulation in the aquarium?

 

[HumbleFish]

Diatoms are primarily fueled by silicates, which get released into the water column by new sand. The problem usually self-corrects once all the silicates have been used up. Most snails will eat diatoms.

 

[mcgyvr]

I have not seen a correlation that could be proven

 

[HumbleFish]

I have not seen a correlation that could be proven

https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/1/aafeature1#section-1

https://www.nature.com/articles/17351

 

[mcgyvr]

https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/1/aafeature1#section-1

https://www.nature.com/articles/17351

I meant correlations between diatoms and flow...
Sorry I didnt clarify..... Silica of course.. Duh..

 

[j.falk]

I used Ocean's Direct live sand in my 34 gallon and never had a diatom bloom in the 2 years it was set up.

The 20 gallon I set up three weeks ago I used Fiji pink live sand and it's having a full blown diatom bloom right now. Is this a common issue when using Fiji pink...or can it come from any type of sand used?

 

[HumbleFish]

The 20 gallon I set up three weeks ago I used Fiji pink live sand and it's having a full blown diatom bloom right now. Is this a common issue when using Fiji pink...or can it come from any type of sand used?

It will happen when using any silica based sand. Not so much with a carbonate based sand. The diatom bloom should be over in 2-3 weeks max.

 

[j.falk]

Thank you.

 

[mcgyvr]

A diatom issue is very...very common in a new tank and most do not use silica based sand in this hobby..

as stated it will typically clear in a few weeks.. Just one part of the "ugly stages"...
The order of arrival is typically diatoms then green film/hair algae then sometimes cyano..
All are very common and I have never seen any proven correlation to it being better or worse with any specific aragonite/carbonate sand brand..

 

[j.falk]

I'm thinking it might've been the protein skimmer, understocking and light feeding that kept the 34 gallon from having this issue. In the 2 years it was set up, I never once had any problems with diatoms, hair algae or cyano in it.