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Diatoms (Brown Algae)
Bacillariophyceae spp.
Chromista›Bacillariophyta›Bacillariophyceae›Bacillariophyta
📍 Worldwide in freshwater
Brown, dusty coating on glass, substrate, and decorations — the most common algae in newly set-up tanks. Feeds on silicates from tap water and substrate. Almost always disappears on its own within 6–8 weeks once silicates are depleted. Otocinclus catfish and nerites clean it rapidly.
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Quick Facts
- role
- nuisance — temporary
- cause
- new tank, silicates in water
- control
- Otocinclus, nerite snails, patience — usually self-resolves