From ReefPedia

[edit] AlgaeProfile Benefits: Questionable food source Drawbacks: Degrades water conditions Invasiveness: High Hardiness: bulletproof Growth Rate: Nutrient driven, nitrates and silicates Availability: common

Algea growing on a rock.

Introduction

Brown algae is commonly occuring and an indicator of water conditions, diatoms from the greek Dia - to cut = cut in half.Unicelluar phytoplankton encased is silica (silicon dioxide)

Common Names

Brown Algae. Golden Algae

Scientific Names

scientific names go here

Is it a Pest?

A destructive pest. encrusting diatoms may populate the bases of corals and grow upwards pushing the polyps away from the skeleton making corals recede until the coral starts to disintregrate and infection sets in. Extended photo period,nitrates,phosphates and silicates will trigger a diatom bloom

Known Predators

Many tank inhabitants feed on diatoms. However, control through Cleanup Crew will never suffice

Cultivation

naturally occuring.

FAQ

Commonly-asked questions regarding the algae.

Powdery brown substance that often overtakes rockwork and glass soon after cycling a new tank. This is considered part of the normal maturation process. Diatom algae is also known to coat the substrate.

If nutrient is controlled, water changes performed and protein skimming kept efficient, the algae should subside.

A long-lasting outbreak or an outbreak in a mature tank is a sign of nutrient issues (overfeeding, leeching sandbed, detritus, etc).

NOTE* RO/DI water, silicates and silicic acid will pass the ro membrane within 100 gallons. the use of filter media for tank water,water change water and top off water are vital to defeat diatoms. Kalkwasser drips will precipitate some phosphates from the water column.