Diatom Algae Affecting Plant Growth

I have been searching but have found no definitive answer, so I figure I'll start a thread.

My water wisteria has been growing steadily every day.

However, I've recently been having out breaks of diatom algae (I understand that it is most likely a temporary problem) and I am noticing that the leaves with diatoms, have ceased growing and the plant is sprouting new, greener, leaves which are growing.

I've rubbed the diatoms off the leaves but there is still a trace of browning on them and still there is no noticeable growth.

I guess I am answering my own question though daily observation but I was wondering if anyone has had this experience or something similar?

 

Yep, usually happens on a new tank.
If it's cycled then otto cats or nerite snails love the stuff.
Purigen in the filter will take care of it and so will a blackout.

 

I've kept both my tanks chemical free and want to continue to do so (except for prime). I think mostly because it would be difficult for me to keep up with any dosage schedule.

I could do Ottos or snails but I'm noticing that once the diatoms are on the leaves, the damage is done. Very little, if any, growth on that leaf once diatoms appear.

I know the diatoms are temporary. However, I was thinking about Poly-filter. I've read that its more than just a surface for BB to colonize and that it removes some ammonia, metals and phosphates. I've also read that phosphates are one of the causes of diatoms.

Any thoughts?

 

Very admirable to keep tank chemical free. Not sure I'd describe purigen as a chemical, it's a porous media you would only need to use once, there are more chemicals in poly filter. You are right to target ammonia and other organics.

Any damaged leaves should be removed as they will provide food for the algae.
The non animal, additive way is a three day blackout. No light = no algae, while plants can recover from a period of darkness, but it doesn't guarantee it won't come back

Last time I looked into this kind of algae the feeling was it was caused by silicates that can be found in new tanks but are unavailable in a mature tank, which is why it can suddenly vanish when all the available silicates have been fixed.

 

You can also pull up the plant, spray it with hydrogen peroxide, wipe off what's there, and spray again. When you put it back in it will bubble a bit (peroxide is working) and it should kill it off for you. Unfortunately this is a way to manage it, if your silicates are high it will keep coming back until it's run its course.