water quality

[Stuart Bryce]

I am quite new to the marine hobby but have had tropical fish for some time.
the question is this

my water in my 5 foot tropical setup is excellent, all parameters spot on,
the parameters in my marine tank are also within specified levels
nitrite 0
nitrate 5ppm
ammonia nil
ph 8.2
phosphate .25mg

but I have a diatom problem as I have not yet invested in a ro unit, so
could I use mature water from my tropical to conduct water changes in my
marine having first adjusted the salinity and ph levels, and would this help
control my diatom problem. tia

Stuart

[Mort]

I'm not sure I understand your question right Stu but it sounds like you are
wanting to use "old" fish tank water from your freshwater setup...
That sounds like a bad idea IMHO. Mainly because of Nitrates, but who knows
what other "pollutants" you might be introducing.
What type of Marine tank is it? FO, FOWLR, or are you going for a reef? If
a reef is your interest, you really should get that RO unit. Marc (Mr
President =P) can get you a great deal on one or if you are in the chicago
area, I know where you can pick one up locally.
Diatom, as well as several other algal blooms, are normal and will pass with
time if given the proper water quality.
..25 phosphate is high for reef standards and depending on what livestock you
have, you may be running in to problems very soon...


hth

~Mort