Does Diatom photosynthsise ?

[hammer99]

Hi,

I'm having diatom bloom problem recently.

I realise that my some live rocks are covered with a layer of brownish substance and are releasing tiny air bubbles.

My tank walls are starting to have brown patches with some hair-like

substance sticky on it.

All these happen when I perform a 20% change of the water.

For your info, my tank is 5 weeks old. Is these a "new tank symptom"?

Jus a question, asfor the air bubble are they Oxygen (does diatom also perform photosyn ? ) all they're actually Carbon dioxide ?

[FuEl]

Diatoms do make use of light energy..they also utilize silicates from your water. Which explains why they always bloom after a waterchange. Singapore's tap water contains silicates.

[hammer99]

Hi,

Can advise on the best way to control Algae ?

Change water ?

or

Plant Mangrove or Macroalgae in main tank or sump ?

or

Buy Phospate removal ?

BTW, anyone hasany experience in hair-like white substance on Diatom ?