help to remember?

[melsmom]

Hey all,
So it's been 4 weeks now since I re set up my 90 gallon and I simply cannot remember when the diatomes will leave. I've searched, and found a lot of good threads but nothing specific. I did this once before on this tank, and I'm thinking it wasnt this long...
to my best recolection here's the specifics...please be patient..
90 gallon tank, 4 t-5 lights 10000 x2 and blue actinics x2...2 large korilla (sp sorry forgot how to spell too this morning) a 750? return pump in a 40 gallon sump, with 2 returns blowing as well. 100 lbs live rock, 50lbs of live sand....2 maroon clowns. I probably just confused everyone, but that's pretty much the break down. also I am running an ehiem (sp) filter very large, and a remora skimmer with 1200 maxi jet. seems to work pretty good.
anyway, if someone could please help me I'd appreciate it. I have a good refer buddy who has taken in and held livestock for me for a year now, and would love to get them out of his way. plus I truley do miss them.
Thank you for any help
Oh, and I am only using mardel strips which I know arent the best, and I will be doing a test this week at a good lfs for parameters, but so far as they say all is zero except nitrites and they are registering between 0-20...?? amonia is zip
Hope this wasnt too all over the place....

 

[Krish]

Did you take a peek at the article on the home page on diatoms?? If not take a peek at it. The remainder of the article is found on the link at the bottom of that article which also takes you to the actual thread it was discussed. There are so many variables that come in to play that determines how long a diatom bloom will last. If it's food source is still available in the tank, then it will continue to grow. Take a peek at the article though and the thread linked at the bottom and see if that helps any.

 

[Krish]

Also, to add to my last post, the fact that you are reading nitrites (not nitrates) means your tank hasn't completed the initial cycle yet. You want those nitrites down to zero.


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[melsmom]

I must have completly missed that link. Sorry, but thank you.

 

[melsmom]

well I knew that would be an issue, my water. I am using tap water. But, I do intend with the help of a friend to get RO/DI water in that tank.

 

[Krish]

Well, until you stop using the tap water (unless it has been tested and found suitable for aquarium use) your diatoms will never go away. Silicates found in tap water are diatoms best friend so that's probably what is delaying things.

 

[Chichas01]

Krish is right. At the very least you should be using RO water and really RO/DI for best results.