90 Gallon Reef: Progress

[Diana]

Originally Posted by digital-audiophile

I really admire your tank!

How did your diatoms come to be? I'm facing the same problem right now, basically just switched out my old 90 for a new one with the same rock/sand and about 75% of the original water but I am now having a massive brown diatom bloom. I just set up the phosban reactor again to see if that helps. What was your regiment in regards to phosphate removal media replacement?

My diatoms were likely the result of high phosphates. I cant say for sure, but its the most likely scenario. I think they leached from my rockwork, which came from a tank with a previously high phosphate and hair algae problem. It also probebly came from my tap water (I dont use RO/DI) and fish foods. I reccently tested I have 0 phosphates, but they are just likely leaching out of the rock as fast as my phosban can remove it. I use 250 ml of rowaphos at a time, and change it out once every 3-4 weeks. Make sure your phosban reactor is set to turn the media a good amount. I used to run rowaphos in my filter but the reactor is far more effective.

Thanks for the comments everyone!



-Diana