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mike494
10-03-2009, 01:46 PM
Does anyone have a good way to remove diatoms from the plastic plants in my tank? Can they be dipped in a water/chloring solution? Rinsing under running water does not seem to help much. Any help would be appreciated
Lady Hobbs
10-03-2009, 01:56 PM
I cleaned my plastic and rocks in bleach water and let them air dry afterwards.
Northernguy
10-03-2009, 01:59 PM
I just use tap water but mine is high in chlorine.
I put them in a bucket and swirl it around some. If you let it sit overnight and aggitate it a bit in the morning they should clean.A wee bit of bleach would definately help but if you add too much you will have all white plants!lol
Lady Hobbs
10-03-2009, 02:07 PM
Plastic does not bleach out, goofy.
Northernguy
10-03-2009, 02:23 PM
I have turned many plastic plants into plants ready for a winter scene!:hmm3grin2orange: The colors really fade away!
I hope its not led based!:hmm3grin2orange:
MonkeyPox
10-03-2009, 02:32 PM
Your best bet is to remove the source, or they'll continue to reappear.
Northernguy
10-03-2009, 02:42 PM
I am betting its a new tank.These brown diatoms are in every new tank I have ever set up.
Is there a way to avoid getting them?I know they disappear on their own but what is in the tank that causes them?
Lady Hobbs
10-03-2009, 02:50 PM
Diatoms are such fun and especially on live plants! I hate them! And I have them with every new set up, too. I can hardly wait for them to go away so I can have brown algae! *sigh
MonkeyPox
10-03-2009, 03:10 PM
I am betting its a new tank.These brown diatoms are in every new tank I have ever set up.
Is there a way to avoid getting them?I know they disappear on their own but what is in the tank that causes them?

A phosphate remover can help. If its a new tank, best to just let them pass, though, as they will consume all the silicates before starving out.
Lolita
10-05-2009, 02:23 PM
I had diatoms in my new tank at home, but I just reached in and swirled the water around a bit and they came loose. =O Then they were gone.

I'm starting to get it in the tank at the office, too.... but again, if I swirl my hand around it comes loose. For some of my plants at home I rinsed them gently under some warm water while I was re-arranging things, it hasn't come back at all since.
Lab_Rat
10-06-2009, 09:17 PM
You can just rub the diatoms off with your fingers. They should release very easily.
kathymac
11-20-2009, 04:08 AM
I wash my plastic plants in the top part of my dish-washer. Rince well after you take them out. They come out sparkling clean, and it's never harmed any of my fish