difference between diatom and algae

[an411]

I guess I was mistaken all this time. I thought that these 2 were the same thing. What is the difference between the 2?

 

[drummereef]

There are many forms of nuissance algaes we deal with in the aquarium hobby. Diatoms happen to be one of them.

http://www.reefs.org/library/aquarium_net/0297/0297_3.html

 

[an411]

Thanks Drummerreef I guess I was right. And Diatoms are a form of algae they are not 2 different things

 

[chris31]

the trick to getting rid of diatoms is keeping your phosphates down diatoms feed on phosphates if the phosphates are down the diatoms will die off because they have nothing to feed on. Are you using Ro/di water

 

[an411]

I have not even got a chance to experience a diatom bloom yet. I am still in the process of getting everything together I am going to be putting my rock in tomorrow. But yes I am using RO/DI water

 

[chris31]

hahaha sry i didnt really read the post many people have posted things like this and they all have the same title and all say the same thing so i just ramble on about diatoms. but very good using RO/DI water many start off with tap and realize what kinds of problems it causes(i was one)and even going threw all the trouble of trying to fix everything with chemicals and stuff but all your need is that dam filter and and it fixed all my problems i wish you the best of luck with your tank

 

[an411]

Thanks Chris I might need it. I am trying to do everything right from the beginning. That even made me go out and buy that expensive reef sand instead of taking the chance with a silica based sand.

 

[chris31]

thats the way to go do it right in the begining way easier in the long run

 

[drummereef]

Diatoms feed on Silica usually brought in from the water source. A high TDS in your source water is usually to blame.

 

[wooden_reefer]

I don't know about all, at least many diatoms have a skeleton that remains after the organism dies, not due to machanical destruction of course.