ATI ICP Results, Need Help

[Kozman]

My Rodi was checked by ICP Test and it was fine. I added 64 oz copepods a few weeks ago and the sand I dont remember the brand but it definitely wasn't an issue until my tank was 7+ months when this issue started..

 

[Kozman]

I haven't done a WC in 3 weeks, I will let it go another week or so, I also added a diamond goby, he does a good job with the sand but it never goes away, the next morning the sand is covered again.

 

[killer2001]

This is starting to sound more and more like dinos, the type that live in the sand.

 

[moretor1]

Whatever it is, a fighting conch will eat it

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Treating dino’s and diatoms are very different approaches.

I’d put a little sand in some acid (such as undiluted vinegar) and see if it bubbles, showing it is calcium carbonate and not some sort of silica sand.

 

[Kozman]

I'm starting to think it's Dino's also, Diatoms should not last 7+ months. What is best approach to rid dino's, should I go with adding more beneficial bacteria and hydrogen peroxide. Should I try Vibrant, Dino X treatments?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

What are the current nitrate and phosphate values?

 

[Kozman]

NO3 was 5, PO4 was higher at 0 .20

 

[Kozman]

Latest pic, it's everywhere

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Is it snotty if you poke it?

 

[Kozman]

No it's like dust, if I wave my hand it blows away easily, not matted or stringy. The goby mowed right thru it, he takes it in and comes out of his gills no problem, the turkey baster just blows it away..it looks like cinnamon sprinkled is on the sand , that's why I'm so confused, it looks like diatoms but it won't go away. Definitely not like a matt or stringy or bubbles

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

No it's like dust, if I wave my hand it blows away easily, not matted or stringy. The goby mowed right thru it, he takes it in and comes out of his gills no problem, the turkey baster just blows it away..it looks like cinnamon sprinkled is on the sand , that's why I'm so confused, it looks like diatoms but it won't go away. Definitely not like a matt or stringy or bubbles

Curious. Not sure what it is.

 

[killer2001]

Might be time for a microscope so you can get to the bottom of this and treat the problem appropriately. When my tank was around the 7 month mark I had no issues with diatoms (and I was dosing silica). Dinos however... That was a 3 month process to get rid of!