What does diatom look like?

[adnantz]

I have what looks like brown hair growing on my rock and getting some brown spots on my glass. New setup, filled tank and added 70lbs. base rock 3 weeks ago. Added 40lbs Figi uncured rock 2 weeks ago. Ammonia and nitrites have always been 0, nitrates are 10. Have one dwarf blue leg hermit, hitchhiker, and several things growing on rock, but no idea what they are. I took a water sample to my lfs last weekend and they had the same results. Just looking for opinions. Thanks

 

[kkyyllee]

diatoms, get a cuc

 

[marybeth1975]

definitely sounds like diatoms. When I first started my tank, I got them but they eventually went away on their own.

 

[faulkincanyon]

Its all part of a new tank...its normal..just let it do its thing and it will soon subside...just dont over feed and you will be fine.

 

[drummereef]

Re: What does diatom look like?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10242620#post10242620 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by adnantz
I have what looks like brown hair growing on my rock and getting some brown spots on my glass. New setup, filled tank and added 70lbs. base rock 3 weeks ago. Added 40lbs Figi uncured rock 2 weeks ago. Ammonia and nitrites have always been 0, nitrates are 10. Have one dwarf blue leg hermit, hitchhiker, and several things growing on rock, but no idea what they are. I took a water sample to my lfs last weekend and they had the same results. Just looking for opinions. Thanks

Diatoms are common in newly cycling tanks, however, it isn't 'hair like'. That might be hair algae. Both are normal and should go away in time. Use RO/DI water if possible.