So cloudy, would this be because...

gkw · 01-31-2006, 08:09 PM

My tank had been cloudy for almost 2 weeks. I understand new tanks are like this, but it's just too cloudy...i can't even see 3 inches from the glass. And this thin layer of 'dust' is all over everything....glass, skimmer, pump, etc.. And I can see 'smoke' flowing with the water movement.

It's been like this after I added sand. I rinsed the sand and set it overnight before adding it to my tank. Is it because I didn't rinse it good enough?

Should I wipe everything where the layer of 'dust' off everything? If I do, the 'dust' will flow 'into' the water and my tank get cloudy again. Can I just wait this out?

I have only sand and a cocktail shrimp in the main tank. Skimmer in the sump.

Sorry for the impatient question, I am just worry after 2 wks.

Thanks!
GKW

rickzter · 01-31-2006, 08:22 PM

The best way to remove the cloudiness is with a better filter. Use the felt pad with atleast 100micron filtration and turn up the skimming. You should be ok within hours.

I recommend the Pur-Flo 100micron felt pad (36x36), I think Cora-life makes it, have to check. I dont know why you rinsed the sand, I dont think it's necessary at all, it will cloud the water anyway. You just have to let it settle completely. Cutting flow of the water can also help in settling the sand and/or debri.

It's a new tank, so I dont think it's a bacteria bloom. Keep us posted.

Jason McKenzie · 01-31-2006, 08:52 PM

I would get cheap filter floss from you LFS. You can usually get it in bulk or go to a craft store and get a similas product. Stuff as much as you can in one section of you sump and change it every couple of hours (or rinse it well) Keep the water moving in the main tank and even stir it up a bit. Is there a lot of foam on the surface of the water?

J

Jason McKenzie · 01-31-2006, 08:54 PM

sorry wanted to add.

You prob didn't rinse it 100% but even if you did there would still be a bit of cloudyness. Don't worrie you haven't wrecked anything all will be fine over time.

J

Matt Rogers · 01-31-2006, 09:00 PM

This sounds like the infamous southdown sand storm to me.

gkw · 01-31-2006, 10:58 PM

I used Aragamax oolite sand. The bag said minium rinsing required, so I rinsed it once. When I first put it in, there were foam floating on the surface, but that went away after 8 days. My skimmer is pulling some junk that's the color of the sand. Are those the 'dust' that's making my tank cloudy?

It did cleared up a bit yesterday, but I saw a film of 'dust' (dull in color) settled on the sand and when I move the top layer, the sand underneat is much brighter. Do I have to worry about that film of 'dust' or it will go away eventually?

I will use my Mag 350 after I get the connections for it and see if it will clear up better. I will post back.

I am going to rinse the sand until i see clearer water the next time I add new sand in.

Thanks alot guys!
GKW

Diver_1298 · 02-01-2006, 07:44 AM

You are right! rinse, rinse and rinse again!! Unless you want 2 weeks of cloudiness and then you have to use a filter to get the rest out

J

acenia · 02-01-2006, 09:36 AM

just like that...when i did my set up in my tank i did not have any live rock like you and the flow of my powerheads moved the sand a lot since there was nothing to stop the flow and my water was really cloudy . when i added the live rock the sand settled and after a day or two there was no more cloudiness. so maybe just maybe thats the case?

Phil5613 · 02-01-2006, 10:20 AM

When adding sand to a tank I recommend a "wet install" large baggies full of sand and water sunk to the bottom of the tank and slowly emptied. It cuts down on the cloudy mess and keeps the live rock from being coated. Good advice on the filters I have also shut the pumps down for an hour or two to let everything settle.

Bruce · 02-01-2006, 11:54 AM

im gona agree with everyone lol just turn up ur skimmer and let ur filter go crazy

this happened to the 245 at the school...so annoying lol