Based on available information, getting rid of diatoms in a reef tank involves both manual removal and addressing the source of their food, silicates.
Diatoms, a common type of algae, are known to feed heavily on silicates. They often appear, sometimes impressively quickly, after introducing new rock, sand, or even plastic into your tank, as these can be sources of silicates.
Methods for Diatom Removal
There are two primary approaches mentioned for managing diatom outbreaks:
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Manual Removal: This is a quick way to clean the diatoms off surfaces in your tank.
- Use a turkey baster to blow them off rocks and substrate.
- Use an algae magnet or scraper to clean them from the glass.
- While easy, manual removal doesn't stop them from coming back quickly.
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Silicate Removal: Addressing the silicates that fuel diatom growth is crucial for long-term control.
- Employ chemical filtration media designed to remove silicates from the water.
- Specifically, GFO (Granular Ferric Oxide) media is effective.
- Aluminum-based phosphate removal media will also remove silicates.
- Using these media helps to starve the diatoms of their primary food source.
Implementing both manual removal for immediate aesthetics and silicate removal media for prevention offers the best strategy for managing diatoms in your reef tank.
