Help diatoms!

[MizTanks]

Not sure how they started but I got em and only on the sand bed.
1) will new lights cause them?
2) will keeping the lights out for a couple days get rid of them?
I know it's usually a new tank syndrome and what they are but not sure what would cause them this time.

[MizTanks]

Never mind I read a link about them. I just recently started using Dawn dish soap ( I now know this was a dumb move) to clean my WC bucket most likely wasn't rinsing it out good enough. Will use no more.

[Sir Patrick]

Wow- dish soap?? Really??

[MizTanks]

Wow- dish soap?? Really??

I said never mind!! Lol-dang if I wasn't on my iPhone I would a deleted the post-buuuut noooo an here comes smart a.. Chris LMAO!

[Sir Patrick]

No- I was serious. Dawn dish soap can cause a diatom bloom?? I have never heard about that. More info would be great!

I am guessing the antibacterial properties cause issues- not to mention its soap! Seriously- I would lik,e to here more.

[adalius]

Most dish soaps contain silicates. Dawn actually has diatom 'shells' in it.

[Sir Patrick]

I am throwing away my dawn dish detergent....I commonly wash my hands with the stuff- and itnever fully rinces!

[adalius]

It's not just Dawn, most soaps have them. To quote an article:
"The silica shells of diatoms are made into things such as toothpaste, paint, polish, soap, and even ice cream."

So, yea, don't put toothpaste or paint in your tank :D

[MizTanks]

Not to mention phosphates!! How stupid could I be~geeeeeeeeeez :duh: