Yellowish tint to water

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by PierceEye, Nov 28, 2009.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. PierceEye

    PierceEye Aiptasia Anemone

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2009
    Messages:
    582
    Location:
    Tampa Florida
    Hey all

    My water appears to have a yellow tint...I run no mechanical filitration other than the skimmer.......if I run carbon in one of my canister filters (used for circulations only) will that help?

    Appreciate the insight :)
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. sean_p_f

    sean_p_f Sea Dragon

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2007
    Messages:
    502
    Location:
    NE Ohio
    i probably will i would also recommend some heavy water changes also
     
  4. yamaharider73

    yamaharider73 Kole Tang

    Joined:
    Feb 11, 2009
    Messages:
    1,756
    Location:
    florida
    It should be fine. Carbon should help clear up the water. Running it cant hurt IMO
     
  5. coral reefer

    coral reefer Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2006
    Messages:
    4,860
    Location:
    Wonderland
    It is a result of an excess buildup of dissolved organics in your water. The term for the yellowing of your water is called "Gelbstoff"!
    Water change, carbon addition, increased filtration and reduced nutrients will help to keep this condition under wraps!
     
  6. PierceEye

    PierceEye Aiptasia Anemone

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2009
    Messages:
    582
    Location:
    Tampa Florida
    Thanks to all...


    I just built this 65 last weekend and transfered about 25 gallons of old water from the 50...My nitrates have gone up but all other perimeters are in check....I used about25 gals of fresh saltwater (RedSea) SP and Zoa's are doig fine...finger leather is not open....
    temp was up and down from 78 to 73 and now stabilized at 76. (heater was not set right)
    Kh is at 8 I like 9+ and Ca is at 460 Ph 8.2 Nitrate is at 10+ Po is 0 and nitrite is 0 as well ammonia is 0

    I did notice a little brown cyno or diatoms on the sand bed.....figured the tank would have a short cycle from the move over......


    what am I missing?


    Thanks for all the great help I find in this place :)
     
  7. Dingo

    Dingo Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2009
    Messages:
    4,767
    Location:
    New Freedom, PA
    What did you do for sand in the new tank?
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. PierceEye

    PierceEye Aiptasia Anemone

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2009
    Messages:
    582
    Location:
    Tampa Florida
    I added about 2lbs of old sand (for seeding) and then toped it off with new Caribe Sea Hawaiin Black Argonite (live sand..I don't believe in or not to the extent of what they say) at about 2.5" and all LR is on the glass
     
  10. Dingo

    Dingo Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2009
    Messages:
    4,767
    Location:
    New Freedom, PA
    well it is possible that you are getting some color out of the sand but since its black then im not sure why its turning yellow... did you put driftwood in the new tank?
    Another option is that there is a lot of organic matter in there, either way, it will be reduced and eventually gone with a couple of water changes
     
  11. PierceEye

    PierceEye Aiptasia Anemone

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2009
    Messages:
    582
    Location:
    Tampa Florida
    I stirred up the old water when I took out the LR but ran a filter till it cleared....still might have had gunk stirred up from the sandbed

    Going to do a 15 gal water change tomorrow and add charcoal to on of my canisters
    Probably take the Sailfon in when I go get charcoal and food.....ok maybe a coral or a couple neon gobies :)
     
  12. Siddique

    Siddique Dragon Wrasse

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2006
    Messages:
    2,163
    Location:
    Trinidad and Tobago
    i'd just add some carbon, do periodic water changes and leave it at that.
    The yellowing of water is most likely because of a high concentration of dissolved organic compounds due to a lack of adequate protein skimming or a large bio load. Too much bio load for the existing nitrifing bacteria to counteract.