Tiny White Creatures On Aquarium Glass
Are you noticing tiny white creatures on your aquarium glass? These creatures are most likely a type of algae called diatoms. Diatoms are single-celled algae that have a hard, silica-based shell. They are incredibly common in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums and are usually harmless to fish and other aquatic animals.
What Are Diatoms?
Diatoms are a type of algae that are found in both freshwater and saltwater environments. They are single-celled organisms that have a hard, silica-based shell. The shells of diatoms are incredibly intricate and beautiful, and they come in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
In an aquarium, diatoms are most commonly found growing on the glass, substrate, and decorations. They are often seen as a brownish or yellowish film that can be easily wiped away with a clean cloth or sponge. However, if left unchecked, diatoms can quickly take over an aquarium and become a nuisance.
Why Do Diatoms Grow In Aquariums?
Diatoms grow in aquariums for a few different reasons. One of the main reasons is that they thrive in low-light environments. If your aquarium is located in an area that doesn't receive a lot of natural light, or if you don't have enough artificial lighting, diatoms may start to grow. They also tend to grow in aquariums that have high levels of dissolved silicates, which can come from tap water, sand, or other aquarium decorations.
Are Diatoms Harmful?
Diatoms are usually harmless to fish and other aquatic animals. However, if they are allowed to grow unchecked, they can start to compete with other types of algae for resources. This can lead to an imbalance in the aquarium's ecosystem, which can ultimately harm the fish and other inhabitants.
How Can You Get Rid Of Diatoms?
The good news is that diatoms are relatively easy to get rid of. The first step is to make sure that your aquarium is getting enough light. If you don't have enough natural light, consider adding more artificial lighting to the aquarium.
You should also test your aquarium water to see if it has high levels of silicates. If it does, you may need to switch to a different type of substrate or remove any decorations that are contributing to the problem.
To remove diatoms from the aquarium glass, simply use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe them away. You may need to do this a few times a week until the diatoms are completely gone.
Preventing Diatoms From Growing
The best way to prevent diatoms from growing in your aquarium is to maintain good water quality. This means doing regular water changes, testing the water regularly, and making sure the aquarium is properly filtered.
You should also make sure that you aren't overfeeding your fish. Overfeeding can lead to excess nutrients in the water, which can encourage the growth of diatoms and other types of algae.
Finally, make sure that you are properly cleaning the aquarium on a regular basis. This means removing any uneaten food, vacuuming the substrate, and cleaning the aquarium glass.
Conclusion
Diatoms are a common type of algae that can be found in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. They are usually harmless to fish and other aquatic animals, but if left unchecked, they can become a nuisance. To prevent diatoms from growing in your aquarium, make sure that you maintain good water quality, provide enough lighting, and properly clean the aquarium on a regular basis.
