can diatoms hurt anything?

[jcarroll]

I know we all see tons of questions about diatoms, but I didn't see an answer to how long on average people see diatoms in their tanks. Also, is it safe to continue to add new life to your tank while you have diatoms as long as your parameters look good?

 

[nereef]

this deserves a bump

 

[jcarroll]

wow, I just came on here to see what responses were posted. Noone has any thoughts on this? Any mods maybe?

 

[winstew]

my diatoms went away after a few weeks with a claener crew in there. They are common to new tanks and I would imagine I still have them but the cleaner crew takes cares them pretty well.

 

[jcarroll]

did you add anything besides your cleaning crew in there while you had them? I have what I think is a really good cleaning crew, so I was surprised to see the breakout today

 

[winstew]

nope did not add a thing. I noticed with my new tank that it came and went in spurts. It was always there but sometimes it seemed more heavy then others. Personally I think its because hermits and snails are NOT to smart. They find a spot that is good and don't move from that spot, so naturally the diatoms will build up until one of them ventures over there because they are hungry.