Brown Diatom Algae

Question
Hi Glenn,
You have answered my "newbie" questions several times with great accuracy, and I am having much success with my 29 gal fowlr tank.
There seems to be some controversy whether or not brown diatom is algae or not. Whether or not it is an algae really doesn't matter to me, but what is your take on it?
I heard it is normal for tanks that have just completed the nitrogen cycle and I also heard it is ok in the tank but unsightly to some.
Should I point one of the power heads toward the bottom so the diatom gets pushed around and maybe taken in by the protein skimmer, or will that do the fish harm? Just leave it?
Thanks!

Answer
Hey Joe,
Diatoms are unique forms of algae... yes algae(Eukaryotic Algae to be specific), that grow a silica shell that is preserved in underwater sediments after they die. The diatom shell, called a frustule, is different and specific for each species, so you can identify them pretty easily through a microscope. Most diatoms are unicellular, although they can exist as colonies in the shape of filaments or ribbons(Fragillaria), fans(Meridion), zizag(Tabellaria) or stellate(Asterionella) colonies. Diatoms photosynthesize. They are categorized as either protists or chromists. They provide a significant amount of the world's oxygen supply(around 35%). There are over a hundred thousand species identified. Diatoms live anywhere there is water and light, including lakes, streams, estuaries, oceans, puddles and wet rocks or soil. They are fairly harmless as long as controlled. They add to the nutrient exporting capabilities of the system, they oxygenate and rid the water of pollutants providing better water quality.... They are unsightly and hideous. Thats the gyst of why aquarists loathe diatoms, even if unjustly and misinformed. If you look at my refugiums they are HORRENDOUS looking. Tons of algae; the pretty macro algae, hideous slimes, hair and diatom. I even have cyano bacteria in my refugium... and I have good healthy systems that have been up for decades! I do run a filter sock on the outlets to the main to reduce the risk of the main tank becoming the same in appearance as the refugium.
Now they are also a sign of nutrients in the water, so reducing nitrates will help. I wouldnt use a power head, that will only work to spread them. I would concentrate on maintenance; eg  reducing nitrates through substrate vacuuming, water changes, controlled feeding, lighting/photo period control etc. It wont hurt anything or harm the fish, but it can become a hassle if not controlled. They usually appear in new tanks then disappear as they mature as long as you follow good maintenance practices. This help?