Ewwww yuck!!!! Help!

[DigThemLows]

Silica feeds algae as it breaks down, silica sand doesn't break down, just like the silica (glass) that tanks are made of dont.............so silica sand does not feed algae.

 

[Fordtrannyman]

On a good note, I'm seeing lots of new growth on my plants since I introduced the C02, so I'm happy!

That's what it's all about!

 

[cassharper]

The most likely cause is not silicone, as an eclipse system 3 doesn't have seams. The actual culprit here is the sand laying beneath the gravel. Sand often has silicates which feed brown algae (or diatom algae). The only way you will be rid of it is scrubbing, some small fish/invert eating it, or removing the sand and allowing the silicates to work there way out with water changes.

DIdn't pay attention to that part, oh well... nit picker! (j/k )

 

[WyldFya]

Silica feeds algae as it breaks down, silica sand doesn't break down, just like the silica (glass) that tanks are made of dont.............so silica sand does not feed algae.

In a processed form like glass silica does not leach, but in an unprocessed form like most sand, it does leach.

 

[DigThemLows]

Brown algae is diatoms and diatoms use silica in thier formation, so that's where the idea came from about not using the sand.

I have never heard of silica sand dissolving and so it shouldn't have an affect on the formation of diatomic algae

But i'm not an expert, and only found this information online a while back..........I don't get algae on my silica sand at all and I have two planted tanks with the stuff.

 

[schaadrak]

Silica sand and clays contain a reservoir of dissolved silicates which is what the diatoms use. Once that reservoir is used up the diatoms will die off.

 

[WyldFya]

Brown algae is diatoms and diatoms use silica in thier formation, so that's where the idea came from about not using the sand.

I have never heard of silica sand dissolving and so it shouldn't have an affect on the formation of diatomic algae

But i'm not an expert, and only found this information online a while back..........I don't get algae on my silica sand at all and I have two planted tanks with the stuff.

The silicates in its unprocessed form, sand, can leach nutrients. Now diatom alga needs low light and silicates to form. Higher lighting, like that found on planted aquaria, not low light setups, is enough to halt the growth of diatom algae. Of course that will lead to another type of algae.