Why would a tank get diatoms after adding live rock if silicates are 0?

[Miami Reef]

I’m running phosphate and silicate remover so theoretically my phos and silicates should be 0.

RODI unit filters just changed.

but I added new rocks and messed around with my tank setup and now the tank glass wall and rocks have diatoms.

How are the diatoms getting energy to produce if there is no phosphates or silicates?

Does this mean I should change out the phosguard?

 

[Cory]

First be sure they are diatoms and not dinos. Then consider the live rock adds new species which cab be better or worse at getting po4 no3 silicate. Also some rock can contain traces of silicate in the rock. I wouldnt do anything for diatoms. Dinos needs uv.

 

[Mike konesky]

Silicates and phosphate at 0 make me think dinos too. You want a little of each to allow good guys to outcompete dinos. Every time I've added a new piece of dry rock it always goes brown, light green, purple. Silicates in new dry rock is my guess though. Normal.

 

[Miami Reef]

Silicates and phosphate at 0 make me think dinos too. You want a little of each to allow good guys to outcompete dinos. Every time I've added a new piece of dry rock it always goes brown, light green, purple. Silicates in new dry rock is my guess though. Normal.

It’s definitely diatoms and as you said, it’s all over the new rock. The rock was purchased white white so I don’t think it was fully cured.

Probably leaching silicates as you are saying. Thank you!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I’m running phosphate and silicate remover so theoretically my phos and silicates should be 0.

RODI unit filters just changed.

but I added new rocks and messed around with my tank setup and now the tank glass wall and rocks have diatoms.

How are the diatoms getting energy to produce if there is no phosphates or silicates?

Does this mean I should change out the phosguard?

FWIW, running phosguard does not mean the levels are 0.

Have you measured them?

I'd measure before using a phosphate binder.

 

[Miami Reef]

FWIW, running phosguard does not mean the levels are 0.

Have you measured them?

I'd measure before using a phosphate binder.

when my tank had a big algae bloom Hannah measured 0...but that was probably because the algae was consuming the free phosphates.

I’m going to need to retest it

 

[jarviz]

Phosphate and Silicate remover typically just reduces them right? not bring them down to 0 unless you're overdosing like crazy. if they are at 0 because of dosing, then it's possible that dinos come after.

 

[brandon429]

How has new hitchhikers vectored in by live rock and finding temporary niche support been ruled out


maybe it’s not chemical but population adjustments that wax and wane