Foggy Waters

My 3 month old 55 Gallon setup has been running on an External Canister Filter w/ Floss Fliter, Carbon and Bio Media. It has a Sea Clone 100 Protein Skimmer, Sub. Heater, 85lbs Live Rock, 35lbs Live Sand.

I recently found out that since I have a large amount of Live Rock that I can stop using the Ext. Cantister Filter 24/7. So trying out that theory has proven not to make anything noticably worse in the first 24 hours. I have been talking on this Forum about tips for my tank. I was told to get a Power Head to circulate the water better for the Live Rock.

Now it is 11pm and I have noticed that my water now has a light fog to it. Usually I would realize the fog being from the air bubbles from the Protein Skimmer or from when I blow the light stuff off of the Live Rock AKA dust.

I have been using a chemical Phosphate remover lately due to recently being informed about Phosphates in the tank. I have also noticed that my Protein Skimmer start to turn green/brown in the intake tube and in the bottom base where the vortex begins... I have a feeling that an algae explosion maybe over due?

I have noticed, within an hour of adjusting, that my skimmer is making foam in the cup at the top really quickly... well quicker than normal. That is not to say that it isn't working correctly. I am just concerned that something is going on with the water. Any suggestions?

Ph: 8.4
Nitrite: 0 mg/L
Nitrate: 20 mg/L
Ammonia: 0 mg/L
Phosphate: 1.0-2.0 mg/L (more 2.0)
Spec Grav: 1.023
Temp: 75.5F

I will update this thread in the morning of the water clarity compared to tonight. Thanks!

-Derrick

 

Okay heres what u need to do u need to buy a submersable UV sterilizer the same thing happened to me when I started up my tank and the UV sterilizer cleared it right up it also kills parisites algae and bacteria

 

I dont that he/she needs that right now. Sounds more like he/she needs to clean out that canister filter or to stop dosing if he/she is dosing any elements.


luna

 

I had just cleaned it out yesterday and placed new Floss Filter in it. The filter has been off for over 24hrs now so that the Live Rock can take over for the waste cycle. I have been using a Phosphate Remover once a day according to its instructions.

It does look a little clearer this morning although my Skimmer is a Pain in the Arss.... I am going to check the water in a few hours to make sure that my Ammonia and Nitrites haven't risen from 0 mg/L.

-Derrick <~ I am a guy

 

Are you using Purple-up?


luna

 

No, it seems like everything that my LFS tells me I don't need people on here say I do. For example my LFS said that I don't need a Powerhead for circulation in my tank when someone else told me yesterday that I should get one. It's been hit or miss with my LFS with their fish and information. Half of their fish I buy end up dying. So here I am in need of advice...

I am going to guess that you are going to recommend Purple-up next?

 

Oh no, I don't like Purple-up, in fact, I always tell people not to use it. I was just asking if you used it to try to get to the root of your foggy waters. I don't like using powerheads in my DT b/c it clutters the view and can suck up fish, but you do need circulation in your DT. Have you tested your water yet?


luna

 

Sorry, I am just so frustrate with my LFS. I am not sure if I am describing the right product. My "Powerhead" is the fan like thing that just circulates water in the tank. I agree with the cluttering the tank problem but I am usng a non-sumped tank so its clutter with alot of stuff. Here are my readings from last night:

Ph: 8.2-8.4
Nitrite: 0 mg/L
Nitrate: 20-40 mg/L
Ammonia: 0 mg/L
Phosphates: 1.0-2.0 mg/L

I will retest the water in a few hours. Wifey wants to run out to Walmart. I am going to pick up an airstone and do the SeaClone mod.

 

Your Po4 is rather high, should be closer to 0.


luna

 

I am aware. I have been thru almost a 250ml bottle of Phosphate-E from Brightwell Aquatics. My level fluctuates. Not sure what the deal is. Everyone in the tank seems happy & hungry!