Diatom Problem?

[mluntz]

I am currently running 1 Jebao wp25 in my 46 bow. Seems like plenty of flow as far as the corals go. I am noticing what looks like some dead spots with some diatom bloom. Tank parameters:
SG-1.026
Ammonia-0
Nitrate-0
Phosphate-0
Alk-9.3
Mag-1350
Calcium-410

What would you guys suggest? I have extra powerheads I could put in the tank, but I don't want to disturb the flow of the wp-25. I like the wave motion it creates and the corals seem to like it also. I am running GFO. Sorry about the pictures, the tank is actually a lot brighter than the pictures look.

[worm5406]

The big thing your tank is looking for is FLOW. Not saying to put the flow directly at the sand bed, but flow overall, directed away from you wp25 will reduce the issue you are having.

The pictures show some areas that have a low flow.

Do you have any cleanup crew (snails or other items?)

[mluntz]

The big thing your tank is looking for is FLOW. Not saying to put the flow directly at the sand bed, but flow overall, directed away from you wp25 will reduce the issue you are having.

The pictures show some areas that have a low flow.

Do you have any cleanup crew (snails or other items?)

S o when you say flow directed away from the wp25, are you talking about putting a powerhead or two on the opposite side of the tank or flowing in the same direction?

I have a couple of snails, not much.

[acanlover]

Use a few small powerheads to get in the "hard to reach" places. That will definitely help.

[mluntz]

I have 2 koralia 425's laying around. Do you think this will help? They don't seem to create much flow though. I also have 2 1050's, but I'm afraid that will be too much.

[worm5406]

Yes they will help you would be surprised to see how much a little flow (nudge) can make in a tank as it will bounce off everything.

[mluntz]

Yes they will help you would be surprised to see how much a little flow (nudge) can make in a tank as it will bounce off everything.

Maybe I'm just a fan of "bigger is better." I'm going to try a couple of powerheads and see what happens. I don't want to blow my corals to pieces! Maybe I should try the wp25 on else mode along with the additional powerheads to create more random flow.

[worm5406]

What mode?

I have my wp40's cycle on about 10 different changes and % amounts through the day. so I get some distinct flow changes.

[mluntz]

Alright, here's what I did. I placed 2 koralia 550's on the back bottom facing each other. The wp25 is on one side of the tank facing the back glass in else mode. I have a koralia 1050 on the opposite side of the tank facing the front glass. Looks like decent flow and plenty of water agitation at the top of the tank. Corals don't seem to be getting blown away. I'll give it a little time and see. Thoughts anyone?

[worm5406]

Can you take a video. I am thinking that is a LOT, nothing wrong with it, but too much can be bad if the substrate is blown around.

[mluntz]

Amazingly nothing is being blown around. I'll keep an eye on it. I expected a sand storm, but nothing to be found.

[maddmaxx]

What mode?

I have my wp40's cycle on about 10 different changes and % amounts through the day. so I get some distinct flow changes.

worm did you mean your mp40s? or do you have jabeo wp40s linked also?

[Mcgeezer]

Diatoms usually disappear on their own once there is no more silicates to feed on. I wouldn't worry about them...if you have a decent CUC they will take care of it too

[worm5406]

"else" mode ??