Brown Diatom Algae

[tdmichel72]

I am having a recurring problem with Brown Algae, I have down many many water changes.. used already mixed saltwater from foster n smith.. used phosban and a phos ban mat.. but cant seem to be rid of it..I currently have a 15 gallon nano ... Yrs ago I had a 90 gal set up and dont remember ever having the issues im having with this nano..any direction would be great..( I live about 4 miles from foster n smith head quarters so its easy to get items)

 

[bmrigs]

I'm just finishing my bout of brown algae with my 20 gal nano. I put 10 astrea snails in there and they have about finished their duties. Just have to keep an eye on them because they can't flip themselves over if they fall on their shell.

 

[mcgyvr]

Are you using RO/DI water?
Have you tested your water (both water change water and top off water) for silicates?
What are your nitrate and phosphate levels?

Got a picture of said algae?

 

[TangingOut]

How old is the tank?

 

[tdmichel72]

Ive been buying a premix salt water from foster n smith/ live aquaria..along with ro/di top off water..i guess i never realy tested that before adding to tank. Took for granted that since they are a big leader in salt water that it be ok not needing to check. all water test were in spec. for nitrate and nitrites 2 days prior to the bloom..ill do more testing and respond back

 

[tdmichel72]

tank itself is 13 yrs old ijust reset it up about 3 months agp

 

[mcgyvr]

tank itself is 13 yrs old ijust reset it up about 3 months agp

What does that mean?
Same 13 year old sand you didn't rinse? or what?
Not sure how you can have a recurring problem in only 3 months..

One should completely expect diatoms in a new tank setup.. We call it the "ugly stages" around here (diatoms then green hair/film algae then even some cyano many times in that order exactly) and its VERY.. VERY common and will just pass on its own as any available silicates are consumed..