Water quality

[JaminRat]

Hi Guys,

Hope someone can help me with this. I'm trying to source the cause of my diatom hair algae problems and am slowly eliminating things. I use DI water which I have checked and had confirmed as 0ppm nitrate, 0ppm Phosphate and a TDS of 3ppm (after being transported in 2 containers and standing for a few days in a sealed container). I believe diatoms are a result of high silicates would like to know whether it would be worth checking my DI for silcates based on the above info.

Many thanks in advance

Ben

[Woodstock]

How old is your system? It is normal for new set ups to get a diatom bloom. I would not worry about it as it will run it's course in a few weeks or so. If you wanted, you could get a silicate adsorbing media.

[JaminRat]

It is a fairly new system approx 6 weeks. I'm already running Rowaphos as my PO3/4 level has fluctuated a lot. The bloom began in the second week and as the amount of growth increased I checked the PO3/4 level and found it @ 3ppm so added Rowaphos and the level came down to 0.5ppm then 6 days later spiked to 10ppm since then I have done a 50% water change and replaced the media. PO3/4 is now @ 0ppm and has been for a few days.


Just to give you an idea of the problem.

[fishheads]

dude your gonna stress yourself out....then reef keeping wont be any fun....first of all whats your circulation like...if you dont have good circulation it causes a problem with diatom & cyno bact. settling on your surface...NEXT buy some CHEMI CLEAN....follow directions,do the water changes as instructed.CHEMICLEAN is inexpensive and a quick fix...it also wont hurt 4 you 2 get a silica or phosfate sponge........i guarentee it will fix your problem

[fishheads]

also lots of hermits will do the trick right along with chemiclean

[Woodstock]

What is your DI water testing at for po4 and silicates?

It is a new tank and you're doing everything you can It will subside. I promise

[blue_eyes53813]

I agree with woodstock. It will subside.. The ugly algae is all a faze that new tanks go through.. Walk away and leave it alone ... To many big water changes may only prolong it... the bacteria needs to build up in the tank to fight it off

[JaminRat]

DI is testing 0ppm for phosphates but have not checked silicates but TDS is 3ppm after transport so prob less straight out the system.

Trying to be patient and let it starve itself but just seems more everyday just really making sure I'm doing as little asd possible to fuel the fire.

Thanks for the help so far.

[2455coop]

I had the same problem...was driving me nuts...I also tested my r/o water with the same results.....and walla....nada....

The owner of my LFS recommended a relativly new product called Marine S.A.T. He expermented on an employees tank before selling it. It is a biological treatment made up of 100% beneicial bacteria.

After 2 weeks the algae was pulling of in clumps....It took about 6 weeks to eliminate most of the algae. Now that the algae is in chech, I introduced an algae clean up crew consisting of various snails and crabs.

Marine S.A.T. is manufactured by TLC Aquarium and Pond Products..

[PhilOlsen]

Originally Posted by blue_eyes53813

I agree with woodstock. It will subside.. The ugly algae is all a faze that new tanks go through.. Walk away and leave it alone ... To many big water changes may only prolong it... the bacteria needs to build up in the tank to fight it off

I also agree, looks like a normal stage of a newer tank, I would wait a while before letting panic kick in. Do you have any live rock in the tank? What kind of lighting do you have?

[Dentoid]

Marine S.A.T sounds good, but I'm leary about putting additives in my tank. I agree with Woodstock, it will clear-up. Diatoms and silicate go hand in hand. Somehow silicates are getting into your system, you need to ID the source before the remedy. I have seen tests for silicates, but can not atest to their reliability. Perhaps your salt mix? Silicates can also get into our system by using a bucket/siphon hose that has had tap water in it and not properly cleaned before doing a water change etc. Remember, these are closed, biological systems and we are in charge of their fate. Junk in, junk out.
_________
Scott

[JaminRat]

Thanks for all the help so far guys.

Tank stats below
18 USG AGA tank (24"x12"x15")
DI water mixed with Tropic Marin salt
Visitherm 100W Heater
Seio M620 (36 x turnover)
2 x 24W T5's both 50/50
also currently running Fluval internal with Rowaphos
and a small air powered skimmer it try and remove some grunge, I didn't plan on skimming and would rather not if I can avoid it.
Caribbean reef sand substrate (approx 3/4" - 1" depth)
10.8kg LR

Lighting cycle was 10 hours but I have now reduced this to 8 hours.

Livestock
2 x True Percs
3 x Red leg hermits
5 x Spikey turbos
4 x Cerith snails
2 x Peppermint shrimp
1 x Skunk cleaner shrimp

Picture of setup below for reference.


Should I try and remove any manualy either scrubing rocks or turning over sand bed by hand?

[fishheads]

Nasarius Snails Do A Great Job Of Substrate Turn Over..

[lcstorc]

Fighting Conchs are great for keeping the sandbed stirred up and clean as well. Plus they are really cool to watch.

[blue_eyes53813]

I would use a turkey baster and lightly blow it off the rocks and sand... Turn off powerheads and scoop the floating algae out with a net. It may come back but it will get less and less each time..