Dust looking particles cloudy water?

Discussion in 'Sand' started by s0ber, Sep 18, 2010.

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  1. s0ber

    s0ber Plankton

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2009
    Messages:
    7
    So my tank is almost 2 months now and it never really cleared up completely..

    It looks like there is dust in the water floating around at all times, I have attached the 2 videos below so you can see..

    The first video is with all the powerheads and pumps off, you can see there are bubbles coming from the liverock and the sandbed, I presume this is normal part of the cycle?

    YouTube - Nitrite Bubbles?

    The 2nd video shows the system on and the "dust" looking particles in the water, not sure what it is but its really annoying.

    YouTube - VID_20100919_001418.3gp

    Anyone know what might be the deal in the second video? Those particles are really disturbing me..

    I haven't had the water tested yet, going to the LFS tomorrow to check everything.
     
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  3. Steve W

    Steve W Plankton

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2010
    Messages:
    17
    The bubbles are normal. Mine does it all the time. I'm not totally sure of the source, but there are a couple of prime suspects. 1. Nitrogen bubbles from the reduction of nitrates by your live rock - most likely. 2. Oxygen bubbles from algae reducing carbon dioxide - also likely. 3. Carbon dioxide bubbles from sessile and mobile livestock around and in your live rock - unlikely as the carbon dioxide is very soluble in the saltwater. The oxygen and nitrogen are also soluble but from your videos your water is probably pretty saturated with both leading to the bubbles.

    I wouldn't worry about the bubbles. They are usually a good sign that the tank is healthy. As for the particles, I can't tell much from the video, but again there are a couple of suspects and the truth is probably a combination of factors. I also have some of the same type of particles in my water but not as many.

    Suspect 1. zooplankton and phytoplanton - they come with the live rock and since you have nothing to eat them, they will reproduce rapidly. Nothing to worry about there. As you add livestock they will eat them if that's what it is.

    Suspect 2. Algae - since you are still cycling you probably have a fair amount of nutrients in the water to support algae growth. Not as likely, but possible. Do you have a lot algae growth on the glass and rocks? If so then that is a stronger possibility?

    Suspect 3. Sand. How fine is your sand? Do you notice your fish stirring up the bottom?

    You don't say what kind of filtration you are using other than the skimmer. Are you using any filter media in your sump, like a sponge, filter sock, etc. If not, then adding something like that might help.

    Good luck.
     
  4. stauchistory

    stauchistory Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2010
    Messages:
    242
    Location:
    Spring Grove, PA
    Is it possible the "dust" is actually microbubbles floating around? Difficult to tell in the video.

    Steve W. mentioned sand blowing around from fish stirring it up, but perhaps it is sand from your power heads stirring it up from the bottom of the tank.

    Just a thought.
     
  5. s0ber

    s0ber Plankton

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2009
    Messages:
    7
    It's definitely not the sand being stirred up, I only have one domino damsel and a small cleaning crew of about 10 hermits and 10 snails and the damsel stays away from the sand.

    I do have green algae on the rock, it actually looks neon green right now but none on the glass.

    I have a 15gal sump at the bottom with filter floss, DSB, and live rock rubble.

    I've also noticed what looks like small white ants on the glass that I suspect might be copepods.

    I'll take some pics of the setup and post them.
     
  6. s0ber

    s0ber Plankton

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2009
    Messages:
    7
    You can see these particles in the pictures below.. You can also see the green algae on the rocks.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

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    [​IMG]
     
  7. s0ber

    s0ber Plankton

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2009
    Messages:
    7
    I made a little filter sock made out of filter floss and put it over the return jet into the DT to try to eliminate the possibility that there is air getting into the line somewhere and creating micro-bubbles..

    I'll update tomorrow to see if it works, so far still have those particles floating around.