Newbie looking for advice/information

[Marine Reefer]

Not sure if this is the right thread for this (still learning to navigate this cite). So, I’ve reached the point in my young reef tank commonly referred to as the unholy stage and realize that there is nothing I can do to stop it. Have read hundreds of threads with great info, thank you to those folks. In the last two weeks diatoms began to spread on the rocks mostly, some on the sand which my diamond goby is taking care of. Some things that I have read will help is trochus snails, which I plan to get tomorrow ( my fish store is closed today), and RODI water for water changes. Which sadly I don’t currently have but working on getting. I have a coraline x12 36W UV sterilizer currently installed. My dilemma is, do I use seachem phosgaurd? I’ve ready that it can help reduce the growth and possibly eliminate. All that for my question. Do I use the phosgaurd or just let the tank be considering it’s new (just over 3 months). Thank you in advance.

 

[KrisReef]

If you can't measure the phosphorus (or any other parameter) then don't use a removal method until you can. (No ppm value posted- PO4 ?!)

Diatoms will pass, just stay calm.

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

A common occurrence in new tanks is to zero our N/P and then that opens up the door to Dinoflagellates. Do not rely on phosguard this early in the game and keep up with water changes and manual removal. Stock up on CUC and just go slow.

 

[Marine Reefer]

If you can't measure the phosphorus (or any other parameter) then don't use a removal method until you can. (No ppm value posted- PO4 ?!)

Diatoms will pass, just stay calm.

I currently can NOT test for phosphorus, just the standard Ph, Ammo, nitrite, and nitrate levels, all of which are in safe levels.

Sorry I don’t know what PO4 is.

 

[Marine Reefer]

A common occurrence in new tanks is to zero our N/P and then that opens up the door to Dinoflagellates. Do not rely on phosguard this early in the game and keep up with water changes and manual removal. Stock up on CUC and just go slow.

I read that dinos are a potential occurrence due to treating. Hence my hesitation. I’ve learned that this phase will pass due to something else taking over diatoms. It’s just ugly, which is why I plan to add some snails to help clean things up naturally.

 

[Marine Reefer]

Thank you both for the advice.

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

PO4 is phosphate.
Just take your time and hop on the struggle bus that is the ugly stage.

 

[CMMorgan]

Just be patient, this too shall pass.

 

[Marine Reefer]

I currently can NOT test for phosphorus, just the standard Ph, Ammo, nitrite, and nitrate levels, all of which are in safe levels.

Sorry I don’t know what PO4 is.

Figured it out. Thanks to google.