Remove and fight diatoms in the pond

Diatoms can show themselves after a very short time, due to the silicates (silica) present in the water, diatoms form and multiply very quickly. An undesirable and annoying affair for all pond owners.
However, this type of algae can also be a sign of poor conditions in the pond, for example if the bottom is increasingly muddy or the filter. In itself, this form of algae poses no threat to plants, decorative objects or the pond, it does not destroy anything and plants do not suffer from this form of algae. Nevertheless, they multiply rapidly and thus form unsightly slime, which disturbs the look and the pond becomes more and more slime. What a catastrophe for a pond owner who always looks after his pond and wants to enjoy it.

The genesis

Diatoms live in a housing, this housing consists of two parts and these parts are usually connected to one another. If the algae multiply, the parts of the housing divide, now every missing part of the housing is new formed, so their reproduction is quick and can be seen in just a few weeks visible. They prefer to lay down on the edges and at the bottom of the pond, the more space they take up, the more they eventually spread to stones, decorations and plants. They prefer to live in areas that are not well lit or not lit at all, this is where they live and they can relax to their hearts' content

spread.

Recognize diatoms

Some pond owners find it difficult to tell the difference between diatoms and slime algae. Slime algae are bacteria and belong to the cyanophyceae. Whereby slime algae have a gelatinous structure, diatoms are free of gelatinous structures, they feel like sandpaper and therefore have a rough surface.
Features of diatoms:

• Blotchy or extensive coverings on the plants
• The stains can be easily removed, for example with a sponge
• Brown residue on the skin when you run over it with the finders
• The algae have a rough surface

Elimination

Often they are among the first to settle a pond - the diatoms. However, they do not have to be combated immediately, as they usually disappear again on their own and as quickly as they came. Before it is necessary to combat the algae, it depends on the extent to which the diatoms have developed and how far they have spread over a long period of time. However, if the problem lasts longer and it gets bigger and bigger, there is no way around eliminating it.

It takes time and care to clear it up, but to have a beautiful and sizable pond is well worth the effort. In this case, all affected areas and plants should be wiped off. Apparently the diatoms have then disappeared, but unfortunately it is deceptive

Impression that the forms of life are still there and must be fundamentally fought.
As the name suggests, diatoms live on silicic acid (silicates), which is their nutrient in order to be able to multiply and to take over the pond with its slimy consistency. This is the point at which we must start. Especially hard water is richly covered with silica, a paradise for diatoms. In order to tackle the problem here, the problem has to be hit at the core and that is the water. Osmosis water should be used here if possible. Another but additional step is to set the pH value in the pond low. With these measures, the diatoms do not find any nutrients.
Another option that can also be used is lighting. The algae love places that are in the dark and shady areas, where they like to collect and multiply rapidly. Sufficient lighting in and around the pond is therefore recommended. Even after changing the water and the pH value, lighting should be used, so more and more factors that are food sources for diatoms are excluded.

Diatoms fight with other pond inhabitants

The measures to combat the algae are clearly time-consuming and require patience. Another possibility is to get rid of the diatoms with other animals in the pond. This is where snails are particularly productive because they feed on the algae and are always hungry. In addition to snails, crayfish are also a good choice. Crayfish and snails can also be kept together and also ensure that the pond is balanced. So-called sucking catfish such as Farnowella, Otocinclus and Ancistrus can also help, as they also feed on diatoms.

Conclusion

If the control takes place without other pond inhabitants, the pond must be completely cleaned in any case:

1. Cleaning of pond, plants and other decorative objects.
2. An important main feature is the bottom of the pond, which should be carefully cleaned, as the diatoms feel very comfortable there. The floor is in the shadow area and there is usually no good lighting there.
3. After cleaning, use the water recommended in the article.
4. Reduce the existing pH value in the pond.
5. Illuminate the pond well. Outdoor lighting is not necessarily sufficient, so good indoor lighting should also be provided in the pond.

If these measures and cleanings are carried out as recommended, the problem with diatoms should no longer exist and pond owners can enjoy their garden pond again.

Worth knowing about diatoms in brief

• Diatoms are usually the first to colonize a new aquarium. It does not matter whether it is a fresh or saltwater aquarium.
• Shortly after the refurbishment, diatoms are found. This is because there is often a high concentration of silicates in the water at this time.
• Diatoms do not have to be fought immediately. Rather, they usually disappear by themselves when the silicate is used up.
• Or at least their population can be kept within a safe range.
• In a well-kept pool, they won't cause any trouble.

Diatoms are quite undemanding Algae species. They don't need much light. Conversely, this means that you just have to ensure good lighting conditions and the diatoms never become a nuisance. But that is also wrong again: Basically, diatoms only have a chance in poor lighting because the aquatic plants have little or no growth. As a result, they do not consume any nutrients, the diatoms receive an oversupply of nutrients and can multiply explosively. In addition, fish such as catfish and barbels like to eat diatoms, so that they are naturally fought with their use. Good helpers are, for example:

• Snails,
• Blenniden
• and also the many microorganisms present.

Since diatoms are plankton, plankton catchers and small crustaceans will also enjoy the diatoms. So it should be easy to protect your saltwater aquarium from overpopulation by diatoms.