Lugol's and diatoms

[MACH5]

Hello. I just wanted to ask if anybody has ever had any diatom outbreaks when dosing lugol's.

I am currently having an outbreak in my tank and trying to determine if this is a possible cause.

Thanks in advance guys!!

 

[jporter]

I haven't.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Lugols and the two forms of iodine it contains will not have any positive impact on diatoms.

If it is diatoms, the "cause" is elevated nutrients and silicate availability. Often diatoms can be cut off by removing the source of silicate, although I dose silicate because I want it there for sponges.

Are you using tap water?

Is the tank new?

Are you using silica sand?

What do the diatoms look like?

 

[MACH5]

Thanks Randy! Ok just wanted to eliminate Lugol's as a potential cause. I have a 1 year old system. I have been feeding on the heavier side with frozen foods that I purposely do not rinse. My colors have been fantastic on SPS but recently a diatom bloom on my sand has taken place. Sand is all brown and upon close inspection it appears to be slightly feathery in texture.

I do run a PO4 reactor and an oversized skimmer(rated for a 400) on my 90 gal. system. I also use RODI water at all times.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I'm not sure if that is diatoms or not, but it might be. I've not usually heard it described as feathery.

How long since you replaced the GFO?

 

[MACH5]

I've always been on top of my GFO. About every once a month or so I replace the media.

Sorry, not sure if "feathery" is a good description. I will try and post a pic as soon as I can. Probably not for a few hours since lights are off now.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

If you have an algae problem, I'd replace it at 2 weeks minimum, and maybe once every few days if the problem is bad enough.

 

[MACH5]

Ok I will consider that Randy. I will post a pic later for a better diagnosis. FYI I have not tried to syphon this stuff out yet but I am growing more impatient every day! I know I have to cut the source because if not syphoning will not do anything.

 

[Paul B]

Been using Luguls since Nixon was President, no diatoms yet. Maybe tomorrow.

 

[MACH5]

LOL Paul! Thanks.

Ok as promised here a couple of pics of what my problem looks like.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Definitely cyanobacteria!

 

[MACH5]

Ok thanks for the positive ID! So now should I syphon the heck out of it, more water changes, less feeding, all of the above, etc??

 

[SkullV]

What salt are you using? Cyno is usually an indicator of a phosphate issue.

 

[MACH5]

Using IO.

 

[Paul B]

Definitely cyanobacteria!

ditto