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Nano Lagoon (14): BIG Diatom Bloom

By on Saturday, June 26th, 2010 | 16 Comments


Just ten days after adding the NanoStart microorganism kit to our lifeless Nano Lagoon marine aquarium we observe a classic diatom bloom on the rocks and sand. The tank now has a developing population of beneficial microorganisms. These include bacteria, protozoans, diatoms, microphytoplankton and microzooplankton. The NanoStart kit comes with these components, plus nutrients and a Coralline Algae Booster Plate which we’ve placed into the hang-on filter box. We want the succession of life forms in our Nano Lagoon to mimic that which occurs on bare substrates on natural coral reefs. So far we are on schedule with the diatom bloom, which normally occurs within about two weeks of adding the first marine microorganisms. Note that by using dry rock and sand plus a microorganism startup kit we have eliminated the tedious rock curing, the mass invertebrate die off and the toxic ammonia spike normally associated with wild live rock. We have done no seawater changes since starting the tank with Instant Ocean sea salt. Using dry, man-made rock saves time, labor and money. It makes great environmental sense because it does not require harvesting wild rock and air freighting it halfway around the world while most of the associated organisms die in transit. Our 40-watt light unit was late to arrive for this demonstration, so for the 10-day startup period we relied on indirect natural lighting to grow our diatoms. At home you would use 40 watts of PC lighting, with 50/50 10000 K …

Vortex D-1 Diatom Filter with Stand

By on Wednesday, May 26th, 2010 | 3 Comments

  • Fitler: 8″ diameter (base) 3 1/2″ diameter (top) x 15″ High Power Cord: 3′ long.
  • The D-1 includes the Pump Assembly, a two quart, plastic Chamber with Base, a Filter Bag, a Eight Foot Section of 5/8″ Hose, a Turbulence Tube, enough diatom powder for the first use, (2) Strainer Plates, (2) Strainer Strainers, (2) Cap Plugs, (2) Eight Inch Tubes, “U” Tubes (one glued, one unglued), (4) Rubber Hose Clamps, and a Plastic Hose Clamp.
  • The filter has a 6 month warranty.

Product Description
The Vortex Diatom Filter D-1 is a high-speed mechanical filter that is designed to fine filter aquarium water without disturbing the natural bacteria levels. The filter is invaluable in keeping a parasite-free, clean, well balanced and healthy aquarium. It can be used for fresh and saltwater tanks up to 55 gallons with an “active” flow rate of 150-200gph. The Diatom Filter is equipped with a 3000 RPM motor shaft that is connected directly to the impeller. It is desi… More >>

Vortex D-1 Diatom Filter with Stand

Aquarium UV sterilizer vs. Diatom filter? Which do you recommend?

By on Monday, March 29th, 2010 | 7 Comments

I am starting to look at getting either a diatom filter or a UV sterilizer for my 75 gallon freshwater aquarium. Why? Because i have had water clairity issues from day one (tank is 5 months old). Please dont respond and tell me what i could be doing wrong to correct my water. I have posted here for help previously and got some great advice, but still have cloudy water. I have exhausted every possiblility (keeping tank darkened, innumerable polishing pads, water clairifier, reduced food fed, water changes, increased tank temp, resident pleco, etc..) All water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrates/rites,alkalinity) are within normal limits. The tank is specically set up for discus fish (soft water at about 84 degrees F). So adding a bunch of chemicals is not an option. I am at my wits end here so all of you fish experts out there please tell me why you would recommend either a diatom filter or a UV sterilizer. I would love to get a diatom but its so expensive that i just i was wondering if a UV can provide me with the same results? I know very little about both options. If I can provide any more infor i’ll check back and add anything i may have forgotten.

Thank you all in advance for your help! :o )
Kelly
Okay, so its not a tap water problem because i dont use tap water. I use strictly RO water. This also rules out any chlorine issue.

And to answer the other question brought up, as i described in my question i have used a water clairifier. A few different kinds actually. Nothing changed. I am currently using a Fluval 405 filter. I am not one bit impressed with… obviously.
Also, again ammonia isnt a problem. I test my water regularly and none of my parameters are abnormal.

Rickets Reef – 90 Gal Day 115-122 Diatom Bloom p1

By on Saturday, March 20th, 2010 | 15 Comments


Video documenting the battle against a diatom bloom, in a 90 gallon reef aquarium.

Rickets Reef – 90 Gal Day 115-122 Diatom Bloom p2

By on Saturday, March 20th, 2010 | 25 Comments


Part 2 of a Video documenting the battle against a diatom bloom, in a 90 gallon reef aquarium.

golden diatom algae questions…?

By on Thursday, February 25th, 2010 | 2 Comments

i have a newly cycled 55 gallon saltwater aquarium that has an outbreak of gold diatom algae on the rocks and crushed coral substrate. it is very unsightly to the eye and i need it gone. is there any way to get rid of this i.e fish, hermit crabs, blennies?? i really do not want to reach into the tank and remove it by hand because i do not want to disrupt the tank and stur up all the gravel. are there any chemicals to get rid of this? i need some answers