Dust and diatoms

[Madison_]

Hi everyone! I have two questions:

1. I’ve been noticing what looks like a small layer of dust/film/small particles on the surface of my tank, even after water changes and with a filter creating surface agitation. Any ideas as to what could cause this? Any suggestions to get rid of it or prevent it?

2. I’ve been having a diatom problem in my tank for a while now. Overfeeding is not an issue; don’t have any live plants; there is natural light in the room; and levels of nitrates and phosphates are normal. What could be causing this? How can I get rid of it (I know snails are commonly suggested but I don’t have the means to get and keep a snail right now)? What would happen if I just let it run its course?

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Autumnsky]

Phosbond will remove silicate
https://www.seachem.com/phosbond.php

If you can go get or order Seachem Purigen pouch it will likely help with that. I saw another product which new to me called Renew.

FYI
https://www.seachem.com/purigen.php
https://www.seachem.com/renew.php

 

[Madison_]

Thank you for the suggestion! Have you used Phosbond before? If so, for how long? I’m assuming it doesn’t affect fish?

What are your thoughts on Phosguard?

 

[Autumnsky]

I have used it 2 times - 3 tanks.

Over the years, because it was quickly available at the lfs, I have used Phosguard lots of times.

In reading found Phosbond was more appropriately targeted for removing diotoms so I have used this for my SW tanks especially.

Never seen a hint of issue with fish or inverts.

 

[Autumnsky]

Purigen is something I use in general for tanks, which can be exhausted and recharges and reused,

Phosguard and Phosbond will work until exhausted and then is used up and isn't rechargable.

I used these to start up 2 new tanks and 1 established tank which I thought I would try it out on for organics.

 

[Madison_]

Thanks for the info!! Will be buying those products