Diatoms still??

[Sregnar35]

Well I got new lights, I started testing for calcium, and it's consistently 400-450 range, my alkalinity is steady at 2.7, phosphates and nitrates are 0, but my silica is aroud .5 to 1ppm. I know that silica can be beneficial, but my source RO water is around 1ppm as well. Should I try getting my RO water from another source? I scooped up all the diatoms off my sand and the next day they started right up again.

 

[Gealcath]

Silica is the most important thing for diatoms since its used to make thier cell walls. So a constant supply of silica will keep on feeding the diatoms.

 

[wayne]

RO with 1 ppm silica isn't 'RO' in my book. Sounds like the membrane is worn out. Yes, try elsewhere.