Lighting and diatoms

[ReyR]

Currently I've got a significant diatom bloom going on. Probably has to do with my recent upgrade of lights to Current USA Orbit Marine LED lights. At any rate, my ZOA's like them, but so the diatoms. I read some where recently where some one recommended shutting the lights off for 3 days to kill the diatoms off. Does this work? And is it safe to assume that if I supplement the zoa with feeds, they will be fine with the lights off for 3 days? Any information is appreciated.

[Gibsonnnn]

I have the same lighting and I had a diatom bloom as well when I first added the light, after a week or two there are hardly any diatoms in the tank. I would say just let the cuc do the work and siphon your sand bed a bit to help speed the process up (did for me atleast).

[ReyR]

Thanks for the advice. I definitely need to add some more to my cuc. My saddleback puffer picks them off from time to time.

[ReyR]

Gibsonnnn, can I ask, what lighting settings are you using in regards to intensity? I initially was using Timer M1 since it's recommended for coral acclimation. If it's good enough for acclimation of coral to tank, figured it was good of animation of the tank to the lights. At any rate yesterday I started falling with actually my own settings based on another forum. Currently doing 50% blues with 20% whites for 9 hrs a day..3 hrs moon at 10% blues. My ZOA's and shrooms seem to be happy still. My rock flow nem for far seems happy... I think. He is going thru some changes I'm general, but don't think it's related to the lights. May be getting ready to split.

[dwebster86]

They will probably go away in their own

[OnceTrueFalseBr]

My Diatoms went away after about a week and a half/2 weeks with LED's. Now I am seeing the hair algae. shutting the lights will not stop the cycling from happening. figure out what is feeding the diatoms.

I would let the cycle happen. turning the lights off for 3 days may trigger a negative response for the Zoas. and once the the lights go back on ti may signal the diatoms to continue their cycle...

[Tyler1993]

what does cuc mean?

[mwminer]

Clean Up Crew!

[Tyler1993]

Oh okay I see

[H2Ohio]

I had a big long diatom bloom during my first few months but never had any luck finding a CUC that would make a dent. What kind are you guys liking for diatoms?

[Tyler1993]

Blackfoot torches snails