my sand just started getting this stuff on it

[200 gallon reef]

Here are some pics . . . .my sand just started getting this stuff on it. I am using an ro system . . . I believe I was over-feeding. . . Cut back about a week ago. Someone told me phosphates. . . I purchased a brown power that is supposed to remove phosphate, but now about 5 days later . . Still there. Any suggestions?

Thank u

 

[JustinKBreen]

Looking on my phone and I cannot see for sure, but it looks like cyanobacteria. If it is even if you starve it of nutrients you still have to manually remove it.

 

[carey]

It looks like brown diatoms to me, very common in a new tank. Is this a new setup?

 

[Flreefer]

+1 to Diatoms

 

[spoonman]

I think diatoms too. Be patient, it will pass.

 

[cosmo]

Holy cow thats a massive diatom bloom. Have you always used RODI water? It will pass in a few weeks to a month, but I'm guessing ya may as well read up on cyanobacteira so ya know what to do. Your tank will go through a few pesky algae blooms, just be ready for them so they don't get out of control.

 

[200 gallon reef]

Tank has been set up about 2 years. . . Have always had an rodi system. . . I just did change the filters and di mix about 2 weeks ago. Which is normal routine. I couldnt count the number of times I have done that.

 

[200 gallon reef]

I figured it out ! Appearently DI has a shelf life. . . I bought a bag 4 months ago & only used half. . . Then a week or so ago I changed all the filters and DI . I have a built in tds meter on my system. I checked it and it reads 48 out. . . The DI is already needing to be replaced.

Anyone know the shelf life of DI?

 

[Bige]

I figured it out ! Appearently DI has a shelf life. . . I bought a bag 4 months ago & only used half. . . Then a week or so ago I changed all the filters and DI . I have a built in tds meter on my system. I checked it and it reads 48 out. . . The DI is already needing to be replaced.

Anyone know the shelf life of DI?

6 months. Generally. Depends on how much water you make.

 

[don_chuwish]

Wow, good testament to the value of quality RO/DI water!

- D