Weird algae

[aceer15]

The last week or so I've been getting some what look to be diatoms on my DT sand. I've been vacuuming them up lately and doing water exchanges to get nitrates down a bit. Any idea why the algae would only grow at the front 1/3 of my tank and not on the sand anywhere else?

Thanks!

 

[mike007]

Looks like dino algae. Increase your flow and get the nitrates and phoshates down.

 

[Reefing Madness]

You just change your lighting?

 

[mtnrunner]

Maybe this thread will help. I'm day 2 of lights out.

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/showthread.php?t=141320

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/showthread.php?t=141320

 

[aceer15]

You just change your lighting?

No change to the lighting. The tanks about 5-6 months old and I've had the same lights the entire time.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Diatoms feeding off of silicates in the water. What would you be putting into the tank that contains silicates?

 

[aceer15]

What sort of things might I add that has them so I have an idea

 

[NanaReefer]

Power heads, new frag plugs and anything plastic actually can/will cause a diatom bloom. Even disturbing the sb in that area can cause it. Don't worry it'll go away soon.

 

[aceer15]

Nana reefer I'm likin your encouragement, you just responded to another thread of mine with te same type of encouraging words! Thank you! I got a new sump and skimmer this weekend that's actually rated for my system size so I'm in the waiting process right now

 

[NanaReefer]

Your welcome! Wanna cut down on possible silicates leaching from new equipment? Give them a good warm white distilled vinegar bath before using. Let them soak for at least a couple hours.
Good luck & keep us posted