Brown algae on refugium glass...Diatom?

ReefObsessor805 · 07/14/2006, 05:07 PM

Would anyone know what type of algae this is?

I think it is Diatom, it is golden-brown and fast growing. It's not to the point where it is a nuisance but I'm sure it could become a nuisance if I dont algae pad it ever so often.

My question is...should I algae scrape it ever couple of days and is it indeed Diatoms?

It's not in my main tank yet. But I'm sure it will spread...
Just a tiny specs on some parts of the glass..

graveyardworm · 07/14/2006, 07:27 PM

How long has the tank been set up, everyone has algae which grows on the glass, and it needs to be cleaned off. I clean my own about once a week, just the viewing panel though. The algae which grows helps feed pods and other grazers, and I feel its beneficial. On the other hand if its all on your sand bed and LR then you may have a nutrient problem.

ReefObsessor805 · 07/18/2006, 11:48 PM

My tank has been set up for about three and a half months now. And I do understand that algae is very common and I am aware that it is beneficial for those little grazing invertebrates. I was just wondering that the "golden-brown" algae on my glass is called Diatom algae.

It is in my refugium which has a dual 9Watt 6700k PC light on it running a day/night cycle. For a little more information...

Other than that everything else is looking great! Thanks a lot.

graveyardworm · 07/19/2006, 04:28 PM

The only way to know for certain whether or not its diatoms is to view it under a microscope. Chances are you have a variety of algae all growing together.

Broreefr · 07/20/2006, 02:52 PM

I had the same problem in my 75 refuge. I had pretty strong lighting at the time and because I run the refuge in reverse of the big tank, reducing the light wasnt an option so I ended up going with just a smaller light on it and so far the Brown algae is receeding nicely

07/14/2006, 05:07 PM	#1
ReefObsessor805 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Westlake Village, CA Posts: 696	Brown algae on refugium glass...Diatom? Would anyone know what type of algae this is? I think it is Diatom, it is golden-brown and fast growing. It's not to the point where it is a nuisance but I'm sure it could become a nuisance if I dont algae pad it ever so often. My question is...should I algae scrape it ever couple of days and is it indeed Diatoms? It's not in my main tank yet. But I'm sure it will spread... Just a tiny specs on some parts of the glass..

07/14/2006, 07:27 PM	#2
graveyardworm Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nottingham, NH Posts: 7,251	How long has the tank been set up, everyone has algae which grows on the glass, and it needs to be cleaned off. I clean my own about once a week, just the viewing panel though. The algae which grows helps feed pods and other grazers, and I feel its beneficial. On the other hand if its all on your sand bed and LR then you may have a nutrient problem. __________________ -David- President - New Hampshire Reef Club There’ll be no one to save, with the world in a grave Current Tank Info: 100 gal lagoon/seagrass, 100 gal sump, Lifereef 72" skimmer, 180 inwall, 125 inwall seagrass/lagoon in progress

07/19/2006, 04:28 PM	#4
graveyardworm Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nottingham, NH Posts: 7,251	The only way to know for certain whether or not its diatoms is to view it under a microscope. Chances are you have a variety of algae all growing together. __________________ -David- President - New Hampshire Reef Club There’ll be no one to save, with the world in a grave Current Tank Info: 100 gal lagoon/seagrass, 100 gal sump, Lifereef 72" skimmer, 180 inwall, 125 inwall seagrass/lagoon in progress

07/18/2006, 11:48 PM	#3
ReefObsessor805 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Westlake Village, CA Posts: 696	My tank has been set up for about three and a half months now. And I do understand that algae is very common and I am aware that it is beneficial for those little grazing invertebrates. I was just wondering that the "golden-brown" algae on my glass is called Diatom algae. It is in my refugium which has a dual 9Watt 6700k PC light on it running a day/night cycle. For a little more information... Other than that everything else is looking great! Thanks a lot.

07/20/2006, 02:52 PM	#5
Broreefr Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central Alabama Posts: 94	I had the same problem in my 75 refuge. I had pretty strong lighting at the time and because I run the refuge in reverse of the big tank, reducing the light wasnt an option so I ended up going with just a smaller light on it and so far the Brown algae is receeding nicely