Diatoms?

[Darbna]

soooooo my sand has been turning this red/brown color. I have had it a few times for a day or two but seemed to correct itself. This was this mornings view. Not on any rocks, Refugium has been showing algae but none in DT. I have noticed some purple forming on the back of tank and power heads which I am likening. I have chaeto and mangroves in sump as well.

I have a phosphate reactor trickling. Levels are phosphate at 0, nitrates 0, ammonia 0. Cal. 420-430. Alk 12.5. Ph 8.1 Dosing calcium, alkaline 2 part, and reef energy manually. I dose green water once a week And feed corals twice weekly with spot feed. Fish get one frozen cube daily. Haven't done a water change in a few weeks, maybe 3-4 weeks but add half a gallon RODI top off daily. Skimmer prob pulls 8-16 ounces a day. Any suggestions welcomed.

 

[twilliard]

Water change and look into the foods you are using.
Is it all being eaten?
Any chance of silica in any of the foods?
Silica and high DOC's will spur diatoms

 

[Darbna]

I'm gonna do a change today. Thanks Think I should rake the sand a little?

 

[twilliard]

I am not a strong believer in that as it makes stuff spread faster

 

[Darbna]

water change complete. Did a 15 gallon change. Not huge but we will See

 

[twilliard]

water change complete. Did a 15 gallon change. Not huge but we will See

What is your total volume?

 

[Darbna]

135-140

 

[Darbna]

So sand is still red. gonna do a 20 Gallon change tomarrow. Dont know what else to do. what are some good to moves to help or does it have to run a course. Its driving me crazy.