Brown Diatroms Growing in Cracks/Scratches in Tank

[goldenpuon]

I have a 5 gallon tank with one guppy, French Fry. I had four guppies 6 months ago but the other three were old (2-3 years at time of death roughly) so that is why he is the only one in there.

Anyway, to the point of this thread, when I cleaned the tank Sunday, I noticed a scratch or crack (most likely a scratch). But what alarmed me is that there was brown diatoms growing in it.

Is this a sign this scratch or crack is severe/likely to get worse soon?

Also, will the precense of the brown diatoms growing in it cause the scratch/crack to get worse?

There is also some brown diatoms that have grown in a small scratched area at the bottom of my Hydro Sponge 1 filter in the tank. (It is a plastic part) This is likely where the brown diatoms inahbited before they began growing in the scratch/crack.


Please note that the tank has other scratches from cleaning that do not have brown diatoms growing it them. As well, there is NO problem with brown diatoms growing/showing up in this tank. It only shows up in in that scratch or crack and the scratched part on the Hydro Sponge.

Also note that I am not at all worried about the brown diatoms on the Hydro Sponge plastic part- this is superficial. I am only concerned about the condition of the tank.

Thanks.

Renee

[parker002]

Is the tank acrylic or glass? I would think the brown diatoms would prefer a rough or porous surface so that they can attach - perhaps the scratch is the most convenient place in your tank for them to "start"?

[Carl]

I agree with parker002s point; I would also add that maybe fish or snails that might eat some of the brown diatom algae cannot reach the diatoms that are in these particular scratches.

As for structural problems, I do not see this as any indicator.

Carl

[goldenpuon]

Parker: Good point. The tank is glass.

Carl: That is good to hear. I fear leaky tanks.

Thanks for the help both of you.

[parker002]

I suspected your tank is glass:

1) With glass, the crack is definitely the "roughest" spot for them to grow - they're pretty opportunistic.

2) If it were cracked, you'd KNOW it.