diatom bloom after EVERY water change?

[mcgyvr]

Following, my water is horrible. Thinking about double filtering my salt water before changes. Tank looks terrible after water Cha!ges. Usually by morning.

Following an 8year old inactive post?..
And didnt provide any useful information to continue the discussion..
Good luck...

 

[incloud]

Following an 8year old inactive post?..
And didnt provide any useful information to continue the discussion..
Good luck...

Thanks! Was on my phone so didn't notice. I don't believe information expires so figured it may be worth my efforts to find a solution to my similar problem.

 

[mcgyvr]

Thanks! Was on my phone so didn't notice. I don't believe information expires so figured it may be worth my efforts to find a solution to my similar problem.

Well... can you at least provide better information about your specific problem then?..
Avoid using terms like horrible and terrible that are left up to opinion..

Have you had your water tested for anything?
What specific numbers about your water can you report?
Do you have an RO/DI system? What is the incoming TDS? outgoing TDS post DI stage? How many gallons can you make before you need to change filters or resin?
What specifically is "terrible" about your tank post water change? cloudy? diatom bloom? Got pictures?
etc...etc...
The more valid/useful information the better your chance for success..

 

[incloud]

I haven't had my water tested by the city. I change my sediment stage filter once it starts turning brown, carbon every other water change, and DI when it changes color. Problem is even with all new fresh filtration and zero TDS I still get Diatoms after every water change which makes my tank look terrible. By terrible I mean brown all over everything but other than that crystal clear and healthy. I can't specify how many gallons due to the fact that it happens regardless of new filtration or old. My system is overall 340 gallons and I do 40 gallon changes every other week. When I don't do water changes the tank stays gorgeous but of course they are somewhat necessary so I fight the diatoms every time. It just gets old and I've arranged to have a friend that does water purification come over and actually test the water to determine the best route to take in order to have better water quality. Thanks for your inquiry!

 

[bertoni]

If the TDS meter is okay, then I suspect the issue is the salt product, although the tank might be on the borderline as far as fixed nitrogen in the water column. All salt mixes will contain some ammonia, and thus add a bit of algae fertilizer. If it's easy to do, I might try getting a second opinion on the TDS meter, and then I'd check some freshly-mixed saltwater for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate.

 

[incloud]

If the TDS meter is okay, then I suspect the issue is the salt product, although the tank might be on the borderline as far as fixed nitrogen in the water column. All salt mixes will contain some ammonia, and thus add a bit of algae fertilizer. If it's easy to do, I might try getting a second opinion on the TDS meter, and then I'd check some freshly-mixed saltwater for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate.

I'm waiting for my buddy to come by and we're going to test it thoroughly and I'll implement whatever is necessary to alleviate the issue. I'll post back with results within the week. It's just such a shame all the time and money spent on these tanks of ours and having them look all brown and nasty is depressing, lol. But it what it is and there's always a solution. I tried going without a tank for a couple years and missed it terribly. Now my entire basement is a fish room and I have 4 tanks plumbed through my house. Hmmm!

 

[shellsea]

Not to be an alarmist but I have dinoflagellate problem. Mild and seems to be kept in check but whenever I do a water change it invigorates them for several days.


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[incloud]

My buddy came by this morning and his specialty is drinking water. He says he has no idea what to test for in reef tank water. He suggested I get 5 gallon jugs of spring water and see if I still have the problem. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to solve my water problem. My system is outstanding otherwise and I hate seeing it all brown. It's almost time to do another water change and I'm holding off because it looks good again.

 

[bertoni]

RO/DI water is more appropriate than spring water. I suspect the problem lies elsewhere. It's possible that the filter is in bad shape. You could try distilled water for a change or two, if you don't mind the cost. With some luck, that should be clean.

 

[mcgyvr]

Yes a water change with store bought distilled water would be interesting to see if you get the same output..

 

[incloud]

Today I swapped out all my RODI media, vacuumed my sand beds in both tanks, plus the sump and replaced one section (first) of my 2 stage that I use for carbon with a 1 micron sediment filter. Cleaned up my skimmer (Bubble Magus Curve 9) as it was kind of funky and made sure my sock was clean by soaking in vinegar. I've left the lights off yesterday and today and am going to reduce my light cycle after tomorrow to 6 hours and see what response I have. I'm determined to get this straight and enjoy my system. Thanks so much to all of you for the input!

Bobby C.
incloud

 

[bertoni]

Good luck! Please keep us posted!

 

[incloud]

Good luck! Please keep us posted!

Will do, Thanks!