Diatoms

[SnoopJerryJer]

So I have a quick, and probably crazy idea, but I thought I would see if it made any sense.

Why not setup a system to support diatom growth, which would then be a good source of live natural food for non-photosynthetic corals. I know some people already add Sodium Silicate so I was wondering if anyone has tried to add higher levels of silicate to promote the growth of diatoms for feeding. Also, I've heard somewhere that diatoms are able to metabolize bees-wax so I've been thinking about trying to add that as a carbon source to feed diatoms and give them the edge versus bacteria or other algaes.

Any input is welcome. Thanks

 

[aninjaatemyshoe]

I dose silicate to boost diatom growth. I do get a lot of diatom growth, but it is difficult to tell whether that is helping feed the corals. A dedicated diatom support tank would be a cool idea, if anything it would become pod heaven. The major issue is providing enough illuminated surface area. You'd probably want more than just the bare sides of the tank... perhaps bioballs would work well. Also, you'd need some sort of surge system that would free the diatoms from the surface periodically.

 

[charles matthews]

Charles Matthews here.

I've dosed silicate for years to NSW values as per Salifert test kit. See Holmes-Farley's excellent article on dosing silicate. Also, in vol. 3 of Delbeek and Sprung they discuss the increased microoragnism effect of silica- and that is my experience as well.

Dosing silica seems to exchange more brown for the same amount of green- not more algae growth, unlike in the startup phase of tanks.

Unsure whether it makes a difference- or under which circumstances it would, since I have had to feed additionally in any event.

Miracle Mud is heavy in silica and probably maintains good diatom populations and may be worth experimenting with, as is the use of silica sand.

 

[GreshamH]

Silica sand doesn't leach much if any silica into your aquaria IIRC. The only bad thing about it is it has very sharp edges (only really a danger to sand sifters though).