Hello, I was wondering if it's normal to still have diatom algae popping up in the tank after 4 - 5 months. I dont get a blanket of the stuff everywhere, but I am definately having to clean off the glass once or twice a week because it will get a noticable buildup. Thanks!
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Diatoms (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Inspired
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examine your water source.. if you have diatoms you probably have phosphate. thats a simple quick explanation. if you are using rodi water and the filters are all in good shape then there are lots of other things that can be the cause but that is usually a good place to start especially in a newer system.
Thanks for the reply. I use distilled water that says it's RODI so that's probably not the issue. For filtering I have about 70lbs of live rock, about 1 1/2-2" sand bed and a Vertex skimmer. So if I am getting any at all then there is a problem? I have been worried I don't have enough current in the tank, could that be an issue? I have a mag 9.5 thats connected to the return and a Koralia 3 pump inside the tank.
also... distilled water is not rodi water. make sure what it is. if it says its both... it probably neither
chriskb3
Guest
Distilled water is not RODI. Distilling is a completely different process than Reverse-Osmosis/ De-ionization.
Distilled water is indeed purified, but there are somethings that are not removed in the process of distillation.
Distilled water is indeed purified, but there are somethings that are not removed in the process of distillation.
itstonyyy - it's a 60 gallon tank
decimal - checked again and yeah I had missread. The water says only reverse osmosis
chris - yeah, think I am going to just start buying water for LFS since it's about the same price
d2 - thanks. that is good to know, hopefully there isn't anything wrong.
decimal - checked again and yeah I had missread. The water says only reverse osmosis
chris - yeah, think I am going to just start buying water for LFS since it's about the same price
d2 - thanks. that is good to know, hopefully there isn't anything wrong.
chriskb3
Guest
I think you are ok, RO is usually good to about 15 TDS (depending on the source water), and the Di takes it down to 0.
The water windmills you see around town are RO filtered. When I used to get water from them, it would read around 15 TDS (total dissolved solids). You will see a little more algae growth using this water, but not a whole lot.
When I upgraded from a 3 0gallon to a 58, I found it feasible to just take the plunge and buy and RO/Di unit. They run around $100-150, but you will never have to tote jugs of water in your car again.
The water windmills you see around town are RO filtered. When I used to get water from them, it would read around 15 TDS (total dissolved solids). You will see a little more algae growth using this water, but not a whole lot.
When I upgraded from a 3 0gallon to a 58, I found it feasible to just take the plunge and buy and RO/Di unit. They run around $100-150, but you will never have to tote jugs of water in your car again.
FishGameRock
Guest
Sounds pretty normal to me. I'd be more worried if you had no growth.
chris - wasn't aware that you could get one that cheap. Is there one that you would recommend in that price range? I will miss the looks I get when buying 30 gallons of water from Walmart. People think the end of the world is coming when they see some one buying all the distilled water lol.
CBBSteve/FishGameRock - good to know! I have just seen other people's tanks and they always look so spotless. I figured any of that stuff was bad. Probably just got the wrong impression and they are cleaning them before company like I clean the kitchen
As a side note, I have started to get green hair algae out of no where, its not all over the place but definately starting to pop up and I never used to have any. I moved my live rock around and was paranoid I caused another cycle.
CBBSteve/FishGameRock - good to know! I have just seen other people's tanks and they always look so spotless. I figured any of that stuff was bad. Probably just got the wrong impression and they are cleaning them before company like I clean the kitchen
As a side note, I have started to get green hair algae out of no where, its not all over the place but definately starting to pop up and I never used to have any. I moved my live rock around and was paranoid I caused another cycle.
chriskb3
Guest
HAHA, I know that look too.
A few of our sponsors have them, if you wanted to make use of the MARSH discount. I have purchased from Buckeye Field supply before, and they have great service. You dont need a super fancy one with more than 2-3 pre filters unless your source water is REALLY bad and/or you want to also use it to supply your home with filtered drinking water.
If you wanted to wait for a deal, you can find someone selling a used one here. I've also had really good luck with certain E-bay sellers for RO/Di stuff.
Keep in mind, if you buy a used one, you will likely have to replace the RO membrane, prefilter cartridges, and Di resin. Replacing all the disposable componets will cost around $50, and with a smaller sized tank, will only need to be done once a year, maybe less (except for the Di resin, since that expires a bit quicker).
A few of our sponsors have them, if you wanted to make use of the MARSH discount. I have purchased from Buckeye Field supply before, and they have great service. You dont need a super fancy one with more than 2-3 pre filters unless your source water is REALLY bad and/or you want to also use it to supply your home with filtered drinking water.
If you wanted to wait for a deal, you can find someone selling a used one here. I've also had really good luck with certain E-bay sellers for RO/Di stuff.
Keep in mind, if you buy a used one, you will likely have to replace the RO membrane, prefilter cartridges, and Di resin. Replacing all the disposable componets will cost around $50, and with a smaller sized tank, will only need to be done once a year, maybe less (except for the Di resin, since that expires a bit quicker).
Inspired said:
maybe this would help as I had the same problem. Choose water wisely lol
http://marshreef.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=316214&highlight=#316214
Thereefkeeper
Guest
Use some sort of Phosphate sponge. GFO or something. Even if your water is perfect Phosphate could be the issue. Lots of thing's like food contain phosphate. Keeping it check will make you a happy reefer.
