Diatoms In New Tank

[csjasona]

As is common in new tanks that have yet to fully cycle and settle, I have a staggering amount of diatom in my tank. I understand that this will go away of its own accord once the silica to phosphate ratio has settled down, and ottos will devour the stuff. But, in the mean time, whilst my cyling is still going, does this stuff damage plants? My plants are covered in the filthy stuff! Should I get a chemical algae remover now or would that upset the cycling?

Actually, I don't know if it is diatom or not. It is not 'flat' aglae, but long hair-like brown strands, sweeping from plant to plant.

 

[SirMinion]

In my experience it doesn't actually damage them but if it coats the leaves is will block out light to the plants and THAT will hurt them.

I'll move this into the Planted Tank section for you for more expert advice...

 

[csjasona]

I've just added a phosphate limiter to the filter. Should I wait 'til the tank hs cycled and then remove the algae from the leaves? Or just add my loaches etc once cycled and let them do their work? Along with some new ottos. It isn't diatoms - just the hair/thread stuff. Eww.

 

[zig]

What type of setup have you got, highlight, lowlight? post your tank stats.