What are Diatoms?

[mhhauser]

So I have seen this word "Diatoms" mentioned a lot on the forums, from what I think they have to do with algae maybe, but the fact that I don't have a saltwater tank is probably why I don't know what they are and what they look like.

Any Advice

 

[reefwick]

They are the first algae phase after a tank cycles. They look like brown dust usually on the substrate but sometimes are all over. They disappear at night and return when the lights come back on.

Are you starting a SW tank or planning it? I don't think you will run into these with FW but I know absolutely nothing about FW.

 

[dugg]

This will explain everything.
http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag....microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/wimsmall/diadr.html[/url]

 

[dugg]

http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/wimsmall/diadr.html

try again