Removing rock effect on bacteria

[davhalt]

Hi all,

Due to a rather rapid Xenia explosion and the discovery of a couple aiptasia, I removed approximately 10% total weight of my rocks (15 lbs of about 150 total in a 180 gal tank).

That was a few days ago. Now I am getting a diatom bloom on my sand bed within 24 hrs of cleaning which hasn't been the case for months.

Last set of full parameters (the day I removed the rock) were good

1.025, nitrates 0, phos 0.1, pH 8.2, kH 8.0, temp 80

I assume the removed rock is the cause of the diatoms due to loss of a big chunk of bacteria (and my params are likely off), but that isn't my main issue. My question is whether the bacteria will equilibrate in the smaller amount of rock or do I need to add back in the same amount to give more surface area.

I actually prefer the new look as the Xenia rock I removed was ugly, but I can add back in smaller pieces to the display or even to the refugium, but I'm wondering if it's even necessary?

Thoughts?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I think you stirred up some stuff.

If it's diatoms, some silicates, from under the rock or something.

. The bacteria and bio filter will balance itself.

 

[Big G]

Do you have a sump with a bit of room? Consider adding a Marinepure block, plate, etc. to make up for the loss of area for bacteria. Cheers!

 

[davhalt]

Thanks to both of you for the comments. My gut tells me it will equilibrate as you mention Saltyfilmfolks, but I also think the Marinepure block is a good idea and certainly won't hurt. Thanks Big G.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

, but I also think the Marinepure block is a good idea and certainly won't hurt. Thanks Big G.

It could hurt in at least two ways, and people have experienced both. Excessively low nitrate, and potential release of aluminum.

That said, it may be fine or even desirable for you.

 

[davhalt]

@Randy Holmes-Farley Thanks for the heads up. I was going to buy the spheres and not the plates to give me the ability to more fine tune the amount based on testing since there is no way to know for sure the surface area I removed and what to replace. I knew about the nitrates...but did not know about the aluminum! How would aluminum even show itself in a reef?

 

[Big G]

Here's the thread about the aluminum: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/how-much-aluminum-will-it-leach-lets-guess.247034/