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Diatoms (Brown Algae)
Bacillariophyta
Family: 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.
Keeping this species
- role
- nuisance — temporary
- cause
- new tank, silicates in water
- control
- Otocinclus, nerite snails, patience — usually self-resolves
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Natural Habitat Temperature
59°F — 73°F seasonal range · (Jan low, Jul high)