This is becoming absolutely disgusting

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S.SReefer

S.SReefer

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Diatoms are self limiting as they feed on silicates, when the silicates are gone so are the diatoms even if you do nothing. The pods will speed up the process though.
I'm not going to be skipping or
As stressed by others its a norm with new tank development and Id be shocked if you experienced no diatoms. Diatoms typically appear in a tank that just completed its cycle but can also appear in an established tank and look ugly but in most cases are harmless and feed mainly off of silicates and even dissolved organics, phosphate and nitrates. Tap water can contain silicates and is a good way to start a diatom bloom if you use tap to mix your salt or to replace water that evaporated. The best way to prevent this is to use filtered RODI water through an RODI unit, but you can still get diatoms when using RODI unit if the cartridge that removes silicates is expired.
Diatoms are harmless and can be beaten once their food source is gone which is typically a couple of weeks so just be patient and it will pass.
If the appearance is unacceptable to you, reduce white light intensity, do regular water change and add snails.
Some cleaner crew to help control it are : Cerith snails, Nerite snails and Trochus snails and also Astraea snails are effective at removing diatoms.
If that look bothers you this is probably not going to be a fun journey for you. Just roll with it and don't try to make things happen. Let it progress naturally you'll be much better off in the end. JMO

EDIT : If you have access to some real live rock or rubble it can be huge boost.
It doesn't bother me... just a build trend. Its very digusting but I love my little tank of nature
 

BiggestE22

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Heeeey!

Soo, diatoms have reached.... and I still have not got a bloody Wavemaker!!! I ordered an AI, but it was broken in transit, so now I have to wait another 2 WEEKS!

Look at the state of it! It's GROSS.
The green is poking through.

And I have cope pods. Just saw some little white bugs around my tank.

Do you like the stringy bloom? debating turning off my lights for a few weeks it's YUK

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Pods eat diatoms. It’s all about Biome.
 

dschuffert

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It is just part of the cycle. As others have stated, patience and good maintenance are the keys; everything will align with that.
 
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