brown diatoms

[pathos]

I am getting an accumulation of brown flakes on my LR and SB which I believe to be brown diatoms. Anyone else get this and is it good or bad? What causes this?

 

[ajx22]

Depends...

Is this a newly set-up tank? If so...then it's a good indication that your tank is cycling, and should go away as other more desirable algae make their home in your tank.

If you have an 'established' tank...then the appearance of Diatoms indicates that your water parameters are not proper, and you should do a full testing of your water (Ammonia/Nitrite/Nitrate/Ph) and also do some water changes.

Are you using RO/DI water, or relying on Tap water? If you're NOT using RO/DI...you can buy it in stores, or buy your own RO/DI filter. Either way...this is VERY important, as there are a LOT of minerals, etc found in Tap water that will work against you in your aquarium.

I hope that this helps, and wish you good luck. I would like to know what you have for a set-up (equipment, livestock, how long running, etc.)

I would also suggest that you purchase a few books...they will help you more then you could imagine!!

Your First Marine Aquarium : Everything About Setting Up a Marine Aquarium, Aquarium Conditions and Maintanence, and Selecting Fish and Invertebrates

The New Marine Aquarium : Step-By-Step Setup & Stocking Guide

The Conscientious Marine Aquarist : A Commonsense Handbook for Successful Saltwater Hobbyists

ENJOY!!

 

[pathos]

thanks for the reply. Tank is well established (3+ yrs). I use the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals RO water purifier. I'll bet that's the problem

FYI 65 gal reef
fully stocked, 50# LS, 100 # LR
20 gal sump w/ skimmer
5 gal nano refugium
10% water change weekly

so it is true then that brown diatoms are a BAD thing and a sign of POOR water quality?

 

[Jase]

Turn the lights off for two days. That should do it...
I doubt if its the Tap Water Purifier...unless you haven't changed the cartridge in a while.

 

[ajx22]

If the RO Cartridge is older...then that could be part of the problem.

The 'lights off' method could work too!