A couple questions

ritzgirl34 · 04-04-2005, 01:13 AM

My 55 gal. cichlid tank has been set up for about a month and a half now. It cycled perfectly and so far everything has been great. I started to get some green algae, but that went away and now it's just brown algae (diatoms?). I have 3 marimo balls, Iw as told these would out compete algae from even starting, but I guess I was lied to. I know that diatoms are common in new set ups, but how long til they go away? Or what do I need to do to get of this brown mess all over my rocks?

It's currently got an Eheim Ecco Comfort Canister Filter- 2236 as well as a Whisper 60 power filter.

I am looking for some sort of bottom feeder/algae eater that won't get eaten by my cichlids. Plecos scare me. I like ottos, but I'm afraid they might be too small.

Also, they say to overstock to reduce agression, I'm just wondering how my stocking levels are based on my filtration and ages of the fish....

Right now I have:
4 2" Red Zebras (Pseudotropheus estherae) - I know I'll have to get rid of a couple of these once they're older
4 1" Cynotilapia Afra Orangeback Cobue
3 3" Yellow Labs
1 1" Powder Blue (Pseudotropehous socolofi)
1 1" Cobalt Zebra (Metriaclima callainos)

pH: 7.8
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 20
Ammonia: 0

**Damon** · 04-04-2005, 06:53 AM

Diatoms are usually caused by 1 or more of three factors. Low lighting, Poor water circulation, and water high in silicates. Manual removal is the only thing you can do to remove it short of a diatom filter. Once you remove it, it probably won't come back.

Thunderkiss · 04-04-2005, 02:20 PM

I've always had it in my african tanks at some point or another, in varying degrees. No algae eater i know of eats it, but then you could fill volumes with what i DON'T know

As Simpte said, water high in silicates is a sure cure way to get it, and many water supplies, especially municipals, come high in them by default.

My only advice is to get out the ol toothbrush and start scrubbin

ritzgirl34 · 04-04-2005, 10:09 PM

Is there any product on the market that gets rid of silicates (other than and expensive RO unit)?

Thunderkiss · 04-05-2005, 03:01 PM

None that i know of.

**fish_doc** · 04-06-2005, 09:52 AM

I have never used it but you can try
http://store.seacorals.net/cosire.html

04-04-2005, 01:13 AM	#1
ritzgirl34 Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Merritt Island, FL Posts: 81	A couple questions My 55 gal. cichlid tank has been set up for about a month and a half now. It cycled perfectly and so far everything has been great. I started to get some green algae, but that went away and now it's just brown algae (diatoms?). I have 3 marimo balls, Iw as told these would out compete algae from even starting, but I guess I was lied to. I know that diatoms are common in new set ups, but how long til they go away? Or what do I need to do to get of this brown mess all over my rocks? It's currently got an Eheim Ecco Comfort Canister Filter- 2236 as well as a Whisper 60 power filter. I am looking for some sort of bottom feeder/algae eater that won't get eaten by my cichlids. Plecos scare me. I like ottos, but I'm afraid they might be too small. Also, they say to overstock to reduce agression, I'm just wondering how my stocking levels are based on my filtration and ages of the fish.... Right now I have: 4 2" Red Zebras (Pseudotropheus estherae) - I know I'll have to get rid of a couple of these once they're older 4 1" Cynotilapia Afra Orangeback Cobue 3 3" Yellow Labs 1 1" Powder Blue (Pseudotropehous socolofi) 1 1" Cobalt Zebra (Metriaclima callainos) pH: 7.8 Nitrite: 0 Nitrate: 20 Ammonia: 0

04-04-2005, 06:53 AM	#2
Damon Aquatic Naturalist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dayton, Ohio Age: 32 Posts: 14,982	Re: A couple questions Diatoms are usually caused by 1 or more of three factors. Low lighting, Poor water circulation, and water high in silicates. Manual removal is the only thing you can do to remove it short of a diatom filter. Once you remove it, it probably won't come back. __________________ For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Member of the AGA (Aquatic Gardner's Association) Member of the IBC (International Betta Congress)

04-04-2005, 02:20 PM	#3
Thunderkiss Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 376	Re: A couple questions I've always had it in my african tanks at some point or another, in varying degrees. No algae eater i know of eats it, but then you could fill volumes with what i DON'T know As Simpte said, water high in silicates is a sure cure way to get it, and many water supplies, especially municipals, come high in them by default. My only advice is to get out the ol toothbrush and start scrubbin

04-05-2005, 03:01 PM	#5
Thunderkiss Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 376	Re: A couple questions None that i know of.

04-06-2005, 09:52 AM	#6
fish_doc Advisor to Neptune (Mod) Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Northern Illinois Age: 40 Posts: 3,830	Re: A couple questions I have never used it but you can try http://store.seacorals.net/cosire.html __________________ Dave (fish_doc) A World of fish

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04-04-2005, 10:09 PM	#4
ritzgirl34 Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Merritt Island, FL Posts: 81	Is there any product on the market that gets rid of silicates (other than and expensive RO unit)?

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