Diatoms

[Dustinryan2010]

Phosphates are at 0.028, Nitrates 2-5.
Did a water change yesterday and stirred up this particular area of the sand bed. Today I have what seems to be a pretty dense area of diatoms in that same spot the substrate was disturbed. What could be the cause of this? Could I have possibly brought sand that was full of silicates deep in the bed, up to the surface feeding the diatoms?

 

[GoVols]

Could I have possibly brought sand that was full of silicates deep in the bed, up to the surface feeding the diatoms?

You'd think so.

As long as your using RO/DI water the silicates should burn out.

 

[Dustinryan2010]

You'd think so.

As long as your using RO/DI water the silicates should burn out.

Been using jugs of distilled water from Walmart with success thus far. Unsure of TDS but phosphates and nitrates read 0 with Hanna checker

 

[theKoolAidMan]

Most likely you disturbing the sand brought up some sand that still had some yummy silicates for the diatoms to feed on. They'll go away after a short time.

 

[Dustinryan2010]

Most likely you disturbing the sand brought up some sand that still had some yummy silicates for the diatoms to feed on. They'll go away after a short time.

Tired of these dang silicates lol. Thanks for your help

 

[Xclusive Reef]

I am having Diatoms now and getting worse and worse. I am hold off on water changes. My nitrates are about 5 phosphates are at 0.00. I just started running carbon as water was is very cloudy and turning brown. I also turned off my lights today. Should I be doing phosphates to get them up or just do nothing?