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Cyano vs. diatoms: key ways to tell them apart

 Cyano vs. diatoms: key ways to tell them apart

People often lump “brown slime” or “green dust” together, but cyano (cyanobacteria) and diatoms behave differently. The quickest way to tell them apart is to combine a few simple observations: color, texture, how it responds when disturbed, and the pattern of where it shows up in your tank.

Quick context: Diatoms are usually a normal early-stage algae/biological film driven by available silicates and new nutrie ... Read more »

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