Looks Like I Have Dtom Bloom :(

[fraggalrock]

At first I thought it was coming from a small rock then it spread like crazy and I looked it up and it seems to fit what has been described.My skimmer also was not working too well so I noticed the air tube pinched and opened up the valve,it appears to be working now but their is still a scum on the surface of the water,Any advice?

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w187/starscreams/diatombloom.jpg

[toxic111]

That looks like a fairly new tank, so I wouldn't worry about it much, every tank goes through it. Just do the water canges and try to clean up as much as you can, and it will eventually go away.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Cerith & Nerite snails will help, as will increasing the flow.

However, as the other member stated, diatoms are a very common "new tank" occurence and NOT a big deal. It could be that the Kent salt you started with had enough silica/silicate concentration to help feed the diatoms. But again, diatoms in a new tank is "normal" and as your tank matures, and you employ the various methods of controlling it, will go away.

[naesco]

Are you using RO/DI water?

[NuraNori]

Last time we had a diatom bloom, we switched from instant ocean salt to H2Ocean, got curtains and got more snails and crabs...was gone in 2 days....

But I agree if it's a new tank it will go through all three algae:green, brown and red...

I found Mexican turbo snails to be great for all 3 types but they stick to the rock and glass...

[buddyreefer]

Last time we had a diatom bloom, we switched from instant ocean salt to H2Ocean, got curtains and got more snails and crabs...was gone in 2 days....

But I agree if it's a new tank it will go through all three algae:green, brown and red...

I found Mexican turbo snails to be great for all 3 types but they stick to the rock and glass...

Yes exactly the same thing, i had absolutely no cyano on the sandbed and once i started using H20ocean salt i started getting cyano, one thing that makes me wonder about this salt is the dirty brown residue on the plastic bucket i get when the salt is mixed up, (and i mix my salt for at least 48 hours)

[subman]

The surface skimmer attachment from Red sea will get rid of the surface scum. If you raise the gate on the inlet a little it will suck more surface water in and that will help as well. It's definitely one of the problems with this system.

http://www.seaquestmarine.com/Red_Sea_MAX_Surface_Skimmer_Upgrade_Kit_p/rsm_40287.htm

[fraggalrock]

I have some snails now three different kinds thanks to Anthony for picking them up for me! I also learned how to do my rocks better and I see the snails working away!http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w187/starscreams/tankplacement.jpg