Hayden

Ok thanks. Its really hard though. It doesn't come off with my fingernail or a toothbrush.

Newt

Try a (single sided) razor blade for the heavy deposits.

Hayden

I may try that thanks. I would be scared as hell it would scratch my ADA tank though.

AheartlessFish

razor blade is my friend...only problem, it rusts.

I tried using some paint scrapers/putty scrapers which are 5 inches wide for my 100 gallon long...worked like a charm...only thing is that rust too...stainless steel material yet still rust when scratch by the gravel :P

Went back to my kent blade which is only 2 inches tho not fun in a big tank.

Hayden

Thanks. I'll try that when I can find a razor. I got 2 gallons of r/o water from my grocery store. Im going to top off with it, then add the rest on sunday when I do my water change. I hope to see diatoms lessening!

Newt

There are 2 families of stainless steel and over 150 grades. Martensitic and Austenitic stainless steels. Martensitic is the 400 family and is slightly magnetic. This type will rust. Kitchenware is known as 18/8 is in this family. The Austenitic is non-magnetic and is very low in carbon and high in chromium and nickle. Only the lower grades of this family will rust and only under extreme use/conditions.

AheartlessFish

i find it very interesting how everyone is so smart on the forums...seems like theres always someone out there who knows the science behind things !!

thanks for the great info. but yea u get what you pay for tho right? :P

AheartlessFish

on the other side, i just started up a 20 gallon aquascape 3 weeks in...everything was new...having 0 algae problems except some green algae starting to build up on the rocks...nothing a scrub brush cant take care of. none on glass so far

Hayden

Update!

I've been using R/O water for the last couple weeks, and it's really made a difference. Diatoms are finally abating! I'm so proud! Thanks for all your help guys.

I also replaced the remaining GCMM's with neon tetras, six of 'em. They fit the scale of the scape much better, and their colors are also much more appealing. I'm hoping once they get settled in I'll see some nice tight schooling.

Growth has been great in the last couple weeks, especially with the HC. I'm seeing a crazy amount of runners. I wouldn't be surprised if its almost filled in within a month.

And finally, pictures!


Here are the new neons, added them yesterday, so their still quite shy.


Kind of out of focus, but you can see all the new runners.


I posted a picture earlier from this same angle, you can see the new growth on the DHG, plust the dead diatoms.


Room Shot

Newt

Looking good!
Those neons look very healthy.
I still say cherries for that tank.