Diatoms in tank ... Just installed phosban 2 days ago...

Discussion in 'Algae' started by freddie.b, Jul 20, 2012.

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  1. freddie.b

    freddie.b Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    I'm wondering if this is normal..its only been 2 days since I installed reactor..
     
    freddie.b, Jul 20, 2012
    freddie.b, Jul 20, 2012
    #1

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  2. freddie.b

    freddie.b Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    I tested and have 0 phosphates.. But over 160 nitrates.. Will do 20 gallon water change in a week..
     
    freddie.b, Jul 20, 2012
    freddie.b, Jul 20, 2012
    #2
  3. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    Diatoms grow using silicates. If you added a piece of equipment made with plastics it can happen.
     
    2in10, Jul 20, 2012
    2in10, Jul 20, 2012
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  4. freddie.b

    freddie.b Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Just the phosban media....
     
    freddie.b, Jul 20, 2012
    freddie.b, Jul 20, 2012
    #4
  5. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    Hmm, strange, there shouldn't be any silicates in the phosban media. I have not used it though so maybe someone who has can provide you more information.
     
    2in10, Jul 20, 2012
    2in10, Jul 20, 2012
    #5
  6. freddie.b

    freddie.b Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Only phosban media
     
    freddie.b, Jul 20, 2012
    freddie.b, Jul 20, 2012
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  7. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    I assume the reactor and the hose connector and the pump is new?

    silicates from the plastics could be leaching from those and giving you diatorms

    or

    Is this a recent set up?
    it could be simply that you added the reactor with phosban at around the time the diatoms broke out
    in that case, it would have happened with or without the reactor/ phosban

    just a matter of time either way
    in 4 weeks, maybe a bit more, maybe even less, they will all dissapear

    Steve
     
    steve wright, Jul 20, 2012
    steve wright, Jul 20, 2012
    #7