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Marine diatoms

Marine Diatoms

They behave the same way as in freshwater, but are more persistent in marine aquariums.

Appearance: A dusty brown layer on bare rock, with a substrate of sand and glass.

When does it appear?: During the first 4–12 weeks of a new aquarium. In established aquariums, it indicates high silicate levels or an imbalance in nutrients.

Main causes in marine medicine:

  1. New aquarium (diatom blooms are normal and healthy in saltwater tanks)
  2. Tap water without RO/DI (silicates)
  3. Salt with a high silicate content

How to remove it:

  • Time: It disappears on its own within 4–8 weeks if RO/DI water is used.
  • Biological: Cleaner snails (Cerith, Nassarius, Turbo), sea urchins (Diadema, Tripneustes), hermit crabs, sea cucumbers.
  • RO/DI: It is essential to use pure osmotic water.
  • Silicate Reactor: For chronic cases.