Why diatoms?

[hhands361]

My 7 month old 40 gallon sprung a leak like 3 weeks ago and in a emergency I transfered everything into a new 50. Its been great, corals were fine and fish were fine through the change, but because of the bigger size, i had to add more water. All of a sudden my tank is diatom city, and it smells and is covered in brown. I changed some water, and have been topping off and using distilled. WHY! and how do i stop it!

 

[hhands361]

ps ill post a pic soon.

 

[logan15]

if you used tap water at all during it that could be it and plus new systems produce algae AKA algae blooms through out as your tank ages i use phos-zorb in my canister maybe your overfeeding the fish or you have the lights on too long how long do you keep them on for?

 

[attml]

When a tank is first set up it ges throught the cycle process as it builds nitrifying bacteria that naturally cleans your tank. This bacteria builds on your glass, in your substrate etc. Diatoms occur at the end of this process. Since you moved tanks you started the cycle process over and your tank is recycling, which is normal. The diatoms will go away on their own but you can add a clean up crew if you haven't already. Also keep your feedings light and use RO/DI water or distilled. All will be fine again in time!

 

[yetex]

yeah they will probably be going away soon enough

 

[flamingkingofhe]

silicate remover and bed reisen will take care of it quickly

 

[hhands361]

Okay everyone here are some things. I have had a phosphate and silicate sponge in their before the leak, and its still in. I use only distilled for water changes and top offs, but during the emergency, i was forced to use some tap. It was only 4 gallons, but i geuss it was 4 gallons too much. I do have clean up crew of bluelegs, a shrimp etc. Therefore it should just go away?

 

[hhands361]

ps boy do diatoms smell!

 

[hhands361]

bump

 

[goldrush]

Yes,it should go away as you complete this new cycle.What are your readings now?

 

[attml]

You may want to put some new phosphate & silica remover in or take it out completely. After time the absorbtion max's out with them and they actually start leaching phosphate & silica back into the system.

 

[hhands361]

attml, the remover i use says replace every 6 - 8 weeks and it has been about 4, but i will heed your advice. Thanks