Clowdy water

[elviraveloz]

Parameters:
Magnesium=1290
Potassium=400
Calcium=420
Alkalinity=From 9.1 to 10.4 in five days
Ph=7.8
Salinity=35ppt
Nitrate=8ppm
Phosphate=.03
Tank is 2 Years old. Mixed reef.
200 gallon tank. At the moment I change 3 gallons of NSW every day. Filter water RO/DI- 0 TDS reading, all filters were change two months ago.
Aquamaxx Cone 3 protein skimmer, GFO reactor, carbon on filter bag, UV sterilizer, ATO with kalkwaser 2 tsp per gallon of RO/DI water, and refugium.
What's wrong???????:deadhorse:

 

[Rogger Castells]

Could you describe your ATO and kalkwasser dosing a little more? I have had instances in which the kalkwasser cloudy part in the reactor had reached the water and that will definitely make the water cloudy, there reason why I ask is because you mentioned 3gal water changes every day, could you describe the process for that, also how are you keeping the NSW?

 

[elviraveloz]

Consist of two 15 gallon containers, which I alternate. Connected with TOM pump and a line that's dripping 3 drops per second. It's the same process since I up-grated tank two years ago. The kalkwasser rest in container for at least four days before use. The rigid line inside container is around two inches from bottom of container. I clean container every two months to get rid of residue at bottom of container. I Change 3 gallon NSW a day.

 

[elviraveloz]

Anybody? Please

 

[Rogger Castells]

without understanding how are you keeping NSW and for how long, my only guess is that the amount of plankton in the NSW is collapsing and dying off producing an equal bacteria bloom reaction this will cause cloudiness. Normally natural salt water is good to keep for a few hours only unless it is properly filtered or oxygenated through agitation, I am not familiar with your system but that seem to be the most logical explanation with the information you have provided.

 

[elviraveloz]

I keep the NSW in 45 gallon container with lid and Maxi jet pump 24hrs. I being cultivating phytoplankton for almost 4 months outdoors, so it could be that due to high temperatures the culture is contaminated with bacteria. I'm going to stop feeding to see what happens.

 

[Rogger Castells]

You could also try checking your NSW for Ammonia and Nitrite, if neither are present then you can determine if that is giving you problems.

 

[doggydoc]

Sounds like NSW is the culprit

 

[elviraveloz]

I will check NSW for Ammonia and Nitrite at the LFS tomorrow, the controls I have must be expire. I have an issue a month ago when I have to spill NSW because of a rotten smell even though I haven't read of nobody going thru the same issues on forum. I will keep you guys posted on results.

 

[Rogger Castells]

I've had issues in the past with NSW but only when stored, IMO this problem intensifies with heat, so one have to be careful when receiving or collecting the water.

 

[elviraveloz]

I tested NSW for Ammonia and Nitrite both were negative. I store the water for 2 weeks, aerated.

 

[elviraveloz]

No water changes and phytoplankton feeding yesterday and today. I got home from work and the water is clear. Now what?

 

[S13<3]

ive been told that phyto feeds algae and bacterial blooms if used more than a few times a month. idk if this is your case but i would hold off on the phyto and see what happens

 

[Rogger Castells]

My guess is that your water change system needs to be reconsider, at least during the summer time, I would stick to making your own water, or if you want to continue doing the NSW then I will do single 20% monthly changes and don't store for any longer than a couple of days.

 

[Rogger Castells]

I have had the same problem about 15 years ago when I first tried continues water change system, IMO it is better to do do larger water changes once a month.