lights and diatom

The Bio-Wheel very well could be a contributor to nitrate levels, as would a skimmer with sub-par performance. As to exactly that causing your diatom problem, again, there are too many variables involved. I would think, though, that getting the nitrate down a bit won't hurt the situation.
 
Thank you Amphiprion...I have removed the Marineland/dual biowheel filter. I will let the sump/fuge hopefully do their magic and test tomorrow for the nitrates. Appreciative of the advice.
 
No problem. Hope that is the root cause for you. Try doing a water change, then test. Give it a week or so and test again to see if it has risen to its former level.
 
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