Diatom Algae Normal After 2 Weeks?

[aibo210]

Hi

im 2 weeks into my cycle using 6 danios on 120l tank wile ive had amonnia readings ive had no nitrite readings!

what I am seeing is diatom algea growing is this normal?

Cheers

 

[fatheadminnow]

Yes, it is normal for a newly established tank to have diatoms present due to ammonia and silicates in larger quantities than when your tank is established.

Right now you can vacuum it out, or wipe it off the glass, if it is on the glass.

After your tank has matured, it will most likely disappear in a couple weeks.

And if after your tank is established and it is still there after a couple weeks, you could get some Otocinclus, as they will eat the diatoms.

-FHM

 

[keenonfish]

both my tanks with ugf always appear to have diatoms despite being mature and supporting neons for ages without problem.

My new planted setup with conventional filter has no diatoms fingers crossed

 

[rdd1952]

As FHM mentioned, it is quite common in new setups to have all three types of diatoms: green spot algae, brown algae and green water. They feed on the silicates released from the substrate and from the silicone that seals the tank. The brown algae will go away once there is no food (silcates) left. You can also increase lighting to get rid of it.

The green water can also be caused by having the tank in direct sunlight. If that is the case, it is extremely hard to get rid of. About the only way is to move the tank or get a UV sterilizer to kill the diatoms.