[Continuation of previous post on diatoms:] Here are a few tips (suggestions) for eradication of Brown Diatom Algae (in no particular order of importance):
• Use re-mineralized RO water if silicates are high in tap water.
For saltwater 100% RO or DI water use is fine for both mixing with marine salt mix or topping off for evaporation.
HOWEVER in freshwater I do not generally recommend 100% use of RO or DI water, rather blended water and even then it is best to re-mineralize with products such as Wonder Shells
, and check the KH and adjust accordingly with products such as SeaChem Buffer
or even SeaChem Cichlid salt
which has other important minerals and KH enhancing carbonates as well.
• Correct proper mineralization with products such as Wonder Shells
or other mineral blocks. Maintaining a correct KH, pH, and GH
balance is a good place to start as well. The use of balanced buffers in marine tanks such as SeaChem Marine Buffer
is highly suggested.
• Along the same line of thought as the previous points, the use of products such as SeaChem’s Phosguard which removes silicates (and of coarse phosphates as well) can help rid your tank of the silicates brown diatom algae must have to survive
• Turning over gravel daily by hand and/or with a gravel vacuum slow the spread
• The use of UV Sterilization
will also slow the spread of free floating diatoms and aids in the improvement of Redox Balance
which is also important.
If UV Sterilizers are employed in your aquarium it is also important that these devices have their UV Bulbs
replaced every six months, otherwise your UV Sterilizer
will cease being effective.
• A healthy, established nitrogen cycle
is essential for control of Brown Diatoms.
• Correct lighting as per the amount in lumens and the correct PAR often usually found at about 6500 Kelvin (an incorrect PAR is often the problem when lighting is the reason behind Brown Diatom Algae growth in established aquariums). Generally around 9-12 hours per day is adequate. This will allow green algae and plants to out compete the Brown Diatoms. Please see this article for more information: “Aquarium Lighting, how it works”
In marine tanks this may also indicate inadequate lumens of this high PAR light energy present in the aquarium, so even if the correct lighting is used, you may need higher energy lights (for both fresh & saltwater) such as LED
• Live plants (or green marine to algae in saltwater tanks) “out compete” diatoms
• Cut back on feeding or switch to higher quality foods
that is less likely to produce high amounts of wastes and may also be high in silicates.
• Use near boiling water on décor, rocks (not gravel), plastic plants, etc. This is VERY effective in killing brown diatoms while at the same time allowing the establishment of healthy green algae that will often survive this procedure. I have used this method for years with excellent results.
• For freshwater aquariums, the addition of salt (sodium chloride) can aid in the control of many algae (not just Brown Diatom), however too much salt can interfere with your live plants (if you have them in the first place). I would recommend starting low, especially if live plants are present at 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons and then slowly increasing if needed.
• Snails, especially Nerite Snails (for FW OR SW). Please see the section on snails for further links/information in this article: "Aquarium Plants"
• Oto Catfish, Otocinclus affinis , or Bristlenose Plecsostumus are fish that MAY remove and keep this algae in check in a planted tank ( I prefer Nirite snails though)
• Patience and time (about 8-12 weeks) for new tanks, often this is all it takes for a new tank.
• Please note that the suggestions using boiling water, algae eaters, and snails are methods to bring Brown Diatoms under control, however after the being "patient" with a new tank for a few months or in the case of established aquariums, these suggestions are meant for control and if their continued use is still needed this indicates other issues that need to be addressed such as organic load (DOC), lighting, mineralization, Redox, etc.