Lfs solution for diatoms!?

Trebor · Jul 16, 2013

I recently had a diatom bloom, clogged return somewhat. I had a lfs tell me to get corals that would off set some of the nutrient problems, I haven't had any coral in years could that be some of the issue? I recently lost a fish he was fine then just bam 1 day hiding, next couldn't find him, done a wc the 3rd day found his bones. All tds o, all parameters are in check, new bulbs. I'm curious to see your opinions any all will be appreciated.

Mike J. · Jul 16, 2013

Get corals to fix nutrient problems? Need to send that to Mr. Saltwatertank for his Terrible Advice column. Fix the nutrient problem before you get corals!

Reef Pets · Jul 16, 2013

Xenia is known to export nutrients.

pickupman66 · Jul 16, 2013

wow, yes, that is Terrible advice tuesday! if you have diatoms, you have nutrients. Most likely Phosphates.

jservedio · Jul 16, 2013

If your tank is brand new (like 2 months or less old) you just have your diatom bloom and a CUC will help it go away. If you already had your diatom bloom and are seeing them again, the #1 culprit is usually tap water.

Diatoms can't live without Silicates. If you are using tap water, you should really start getting RODI or at a minimum filtering the tap water. You can buy silicate test kits pretty cheaply, but if you have diatoms, you HAVE silicates in your tank. If your tap water has silicates in it, you have to stop using it if you want the diatoms to stop.

Everyone gets a diatom bloom when setting up a new tank, because bagged sand had some silicates in it, and they basically burn off what silicates were in the sand. But, if you get diatoms after that, it has to be entering through your water. Even if your phosphates and nitrates are under control, any silicates in your tank will trigger diatoms.

Trebor · Jul 16, 2013

jservedio said:
If your tank is brand new (like 2 months or less old) you just have your diatom bloom and a CUC will help it go away. If you already had your diatom bloom and are seeing them again, the #1 culprit is usually tap water.

Diatoms can't live without Silicates. If you are using tap water, you should really start getting RODI or at a minimum filtering the tap water. You can buy silicate test kits pretty cheaply, but if you have diatoms, you HAVE silicates in your tank. If your tap water has silicates in it, you have to stop using it if you want the diatoms to stop.

Everyone gets a diatom bloom when setting up a new tank, because bagged sand had some silicates in it, and they basically burn off what silicates were in the sand. But, if you get diatoms after that, it has to be entering through your water. Even if your phosphates and nitrates are under control, any silicates in your tank will trigger diatoms.

I use ro/di tds 0 does egg crate have silicates? I rinsed it in vinegar then with ro/di, I made a new skimmer stand out of egg crate?