Diatoms

[ReefGirl87]

My 90 gallon is a month old, and I’m getting the typical algae bloom(diatoms I believe)
I keep cleaning out my sock filter from my sump as it gets super brown daily. Should I keep rinsing it or leave it and let it runs its course? Also, does anyone recommend doing a water change or also just leave that as it is until it fully cycles?

 

[Spare time]

I would just consider adding something like waste away, eco balance, or phytoplankton to increase diversity and competition. However most people that I know just ride it out and dont to anything in particular

 

[ReefGirl87]

I would just consider adding something like waste away, eco balance, or phytoplankton to increase diversity and competition. However most people that I know just ride it out and dont to anything in particular

I think I’ll just wait it out then, I really prefer not to chase it with chemicals unless absolutely necessary.

 

[ScottR]

I let it ride its course. After they consume all of the silicates, they’ll soon die off and be replaced by other organisms. Just make sure to use RODI so you aren’t continually feeding silicates to them. For me, usually month 3 or 4 sees them dissipating. You can do water changes to help however. Just don’t go adding in all kinds of junk to try to nuke them (and your tank). They’re just mostly unsightly.

 

[ReefGirl87]

I let it ride its course. After they consume all of the silicates, they’ll soon die off and be replaced by other organisms. Just make sure to use RODI so you aren’t continually feeding silicates to them. For me, usually month 3 or 4 sees them dissipating. You can do water changes to help however. Just don’t go adding in all kinds of junk to try to nuke them (and your tank). They’re just mostly unsightly.

I don’t have a RO/DI system, so that’s out of the question unless I can purchase that water... I have never looked into that, is it something that is available to purchase?

 

[ScottR]

I don’t have a RO/DI system, so that’s out of the question unless I can purchase that water... I have never looked into that, is it something that is available to purchase?

You can use distilled water from your grocery store. Some LFS sell water but it’s questionable about the quality of the water for many LFS. You could get an RODI system from somewhere like BRS. Water quality is key in the long run. What kind of water are you using now? Hopefully we can get you on the right track. ;Happy

 

[ReefGirl87]

You can use distilled water from your grocery store. Some LFS sell water but it’s questionable about the quality of the water for many LFS. You could get an RODI system from somewhere like BRS. Water quality is key in the long run. What kind of water are you using now? Hopefully we can get you on the right track. ;Happy

Currently, just tap water- via well.
How difficult is it to maintain/operate an RODI system? I will probably just opt for the distilled water at this point. I don’t really have the space under the tank to store the system as my sump takes up most of that space.

 

[Spare time]

I think I’ll just wait it out then, I really prefer not to chase it with chemicals unless absolutely necessary.

Phtyo and bacteria supplements aren't bad and actually have many benefits but yeah I wouldn't call them necessary for this by any means

 

[ScottR]

Currently, just tap water- via well.
How difficult is it to maintain/operate an RODI system? I will probably just opt for the distilled water at this point. I don’t really have the space under the tank to store the system as my sump takes up most of that space.

The problem with tap and well water is we don’t know what’s in it. Distilled water is better than nothing but I just can’t imagine lugging lots of water around. ;Hilarious Good luck!

 

[ReefGirl87]

The problem with tap and well water is we don’t know what’s in it. Distilled water is better than nothing but I just can’t imagine lugging lots of water around. ;Hilarious Good luck!

Any suggestions on a good RODI system?

 

[ScottR]

Any suggestions on a good RODI system?

Any suggestions on a good RODI system?

Are you in the US? I am not but Bulk Reef Supply sells them and they are popular. Perhaps someone else can chime in.

 

[ReefGirl87]

Are you in the US? I am not but Bulk Reef Supply sells them and they are popular. Perhaps someone else can chime in.

I am in the US

 

[ScottR]

I am in the US

Something like this. Not cheap but worth it in the long run. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/7-stage-pro-plus-ro-di-system-bulk-reef-supply.html

 

[Spare time]

Currently, just tap water- via well.
How difficult is it to maintain/operate an RODI system? I will probably just opt for the distilled water at this point. I don’t really have the space under the tank to store the system as my sump takes up most of that space.

Get an RO buddie system. They are cheap and easy to use. You just screw the intake into the faucet and let it run when you need water. They are small too

 

[xabo]

Saltwater Aquarium Reefkeepers RODI Systems

Reverse Osmosis Deionization (RODI) systems since 1982! Our team has built systems using the world's best membranes and coconut shell filters.

airwaterice.com

 

[Curtis Rose]

Get an RO buddie system. They are cheap and easy to use. You just screw the intake into the faucet and let it run when you need water. They are small too

This is what I have and I love it. For smaller tanks it works great! I have a 50 gallon reef at the moment. Has always produced clean water (I check the tds weekly) And since I don’t use that many gallons I dont have to change the filter as much as you would if your making 20 gallons a week. Good solid system if your not willing to spend the cash on an expensive system yet. I’m eventually going to need a bigger one as I’m setting up stock tanks in the next year or so. Amazon has them, get the four stage think I paid 60 dollars

 

[vetteguy53081]

Spectrapure and Marine depot units reliable

 

[Bryson.bobby]

I’m using a Bulk Reef Supply reverse osmosis and I’m achieving 0 tds without a di resin. It really depends on quality of tap water.

 

[xabo]

I’m using a Bulk Reef Supply reverse osmosis and I’m achieving 0 tds without a di resin. It really depends on quality of tap water.

The in-line TDS shows I have 3 ppm coming into the RO membrane, 0 coming out. Wondering if I can go without the DI unit?

 

[Bryson.bobby]

The in-line TDS shows I have 3 ppm coming into the RO membrane, 0 coming out. Wondering if I can go without the DI unit?

You should be fine without one imo. Why spend the extra money if your already achieving 0 tds without one. That’s how I see it anyways.