Diatoms vs Dinos?

[wlittlefield]

So, I've been all over the forum trying to figure this out and I'm stumped.

Are these Diatoms or Dinos? And either way, what do I do about it?

Usually, if I syphon my sand bed well, it takes about two weeks for them to grow back. I've only got to clean my glass about once a week.

Tank Parameters:
Dkh: 9.1
Ca: 411
Ph: 8.6
Na: 1.026
Phosphate: .018ppm
NO3: 1.5 ppm


PS: I'm trying with my $12 microscope but have not idea what I'm looking for, lol.

 

[brandon429]

Is your tank a nano reef or full size

There's a way to deeper clean the sand vs topical only removal, and a super clean bed will stop that growth. Easier for smaller tanks to run.

 

[wlittlefield]

It's a 30 gallon IM. The sanded is roughly, 2 inches deep. It's been running for 7 months.

WL