diatoms and live plants

[numarc]

I working very hard to control diatoms on a tank that is almost
two years old.my tap water tests 0 for phosphates and nitrates
and i very sure that I'm not overfeeding the fish.my tank is a 20
gal that has 13 black Neons 3 glo lights 2 colombian tetras and 2
corys.not over stocked.i put in 3 watersprite and a java moss
about a week and a half ago.my question is will the brown diatoms
that are now starting to form on my live plants harm them.i'm doing
5 gal changes every two days.also plenty of light 48watts T-5s. Marc.

[Cliff]

Have you tested your tap water for nitrates and phosphates ? Some times if you have low amounts in your tap water, the algae can use that up pretty fast and there will be none left by the time you test your tank water for it after a water change.

If there is no nitrates and/or phosphates in your tap water, then I would guess you have silicates in your water supply. The below should help remove them from your water

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/revi...ct=465&cat=500

[numarc]

The question still remains will the brown diatoms harm my plants. Marc.

[Cliff]

Just clean them off your plants as a part of your weekly maintenance and your plants should be OK

[numarc]

Thanks Cliff. Marc.