Riddle me this

[Qbmafia444]

my tank is up runn Mg for 2 months after my ammonia and nitrites tested at 0 which took exactly 4 weeks I added fish. I have no protein skimmer and only run a HOB filter, after I added first fish a week later I tested and nitrates were at 20ppm, did a water change and a week later nitrates were at 40ppm I didn't get around to do a water change but I tested them next week because I notice brownish red diatoms and my nitrates were at 5 ppm I was stumped but didn't think much of it, I just tested nitrates now and there at 0 ppm and diatoms are spreading. lol I now it good to have least amount of nitrates but I can't help but wonder how this is possible with now water change or protwin skimmer or refugium

 

[Rufus’ goofs]

you're diatoms are likely consuming the nitrate.

 

[Qbmafia444]

So what do you receive mend I do? Let the diatoms go away with n their own and then do a water change or Chiat continue as normal

 

[Maggie321]

Check your phosphate too. My understanding has been if you can get your phosphate down and nitrates back up, your diatoms will disappear. Rinse your mysis shrimp but don't skimp on feedings. The liquid the mysis are frozen in is loaded with phosphates to preserve them. Are you using RODI water?

 

[reeferfoxx]

my tank is up runn Mg for 2 months after my ammonia and nitrites tested at 0 which took exactly 4 weeks I added fish. I have no protein skimmer and only run a HOB filter, after I added first fish a week later I tested and nitrates were at 20ppm, did a water change and a week later nitrates were at 40ppm I didn't get around to do a water change but I tested them next week because I notice brownish red diatoms and my nitrates were at 5 ppm I was stumped but didn't think much of it, I just tested nitrates now and there at 0 ppm and diatoms are spreading. lol I now it good to have least amount of nitrates but I can't help but wonder how this is possible with now water change or protwin skimmer or refugium

Typically our nitrate test kits will test high if nitrite is available. Nitrate test kits can't tell the difference. Now, diatoms are a photosynthetic algae. Meaning it get its energy from light and feeds on silicates released by the rocks, sandbed and equipment.

There is a couple reasons why you may not be seeing nitrates,
One is, you been dosing bacteria with nitrate reducing bacteria? Or, your cycle is completed and don't have enough fish or dissolved food and ammonia to break down to nitrite then nitrate?

All in all, a new tank was born. Congrats! And be patient.

 

[Qbmafia444]

Check your phosphate too. My understanding has been if you can get your phosphate down and nitrates back up, your diatoms will disappear. Rinse your mysis shrimp but don't skimp on feedings. The liquid the mysis are frozen in is loaded with phosphates to preserve them. Are you using RODI water?

Yes rodi water