dust particles in my water

[whiirly]

I would run a filter sock on your drian line for a couple days to see if that removes the particals then remove it if the bubbles come back you can add rock or a baffel to your sump to help break down the bubbles b4 they return to the display

 

[ppurcell]

Were you able to determine if the particles are really debris or if they are micro bubbles? An easy way to tell the difference is to turn off your circulation pumps and see if the particles rise to the surface.

 

[Sullyman]

Dust never sleeps. I added the bottom layer of substrate for my new tank Saturday and it's still too cloudy/dusty to level it out and add the surface layer. It looks like I'll need to take some out before I add the last layer but still too soon to tell.
Just be patient, it will clear up.

 

[canar]

Didn't you rinse that stuff sully?

 

[Sullyman]

Ted, I did the best I could but obviously could have done better.
The only encouraging thing is that there are 2 returns about level with the top of the substrate, so when it does clear out, I shouldn't have much silt in the tank, if any.

 

[awwad_m]

ppurcell, I just turned off my system, and it seems like these particles are just floating in the water, but not moving, they are still in it. They have not risen up to the surface. They are driving me crazy!!

 

[Pufferpunk]

Did you try the floss?

 

[awwad_m]

No, I stopped by 2 sweing stores on my way back from work, but none of them seemed to have any pillow stuffing!

 

[awwad_m]

If I just open up a pillow and use the stuffing inside? Would that work?

I think these particles might be undisolved salt particles. I stopped the filter and the particles seem to be slowly moving downward towards the bottom of the tank.

 

[ppurcell]

when I setup my system initially I had a lot of floating particles and a really weak protein skimmer (not sure if it compares to what you are experiencing). So, I bought a filter sock (like whiirly mentioned) and used it off and on for several weeks to get the particles "under control".

I was advised that it may take a couple of months and they will mostly settle out. However, I believe that a really good protein skimmer is going to shorten that period a lot.

Remember, part of the reason for having high flow in your tank is to intentionally keep all of the particulate matter suspended so that it can be filtered by the protein skimmer rather than have it settle into the substrate as detritus.

 

[awwad_m]

Thanks ppurcell. I do have a protei skimmer, however I have not turned it on, since I only have water in the tank and no LS/LR. Are you suggesting that I turn on my skimmer? Even without anything in my tank?

 

[mbierzyc]

I was at Meijer and they had huge bags of filter floss. I believe PetSmart did as well.

 

[ppurcell]

Sure, you can use the protein skimmer to pull them out. Seem like it should work on the dust particles, but I haven't tried it myself. I figure only three things can happen:

1. The skimmer does nothing for your problem.
2. It works "too well" and floods the collection cup.
3. It works and helps solve the problem.

At anyrate, I would also look at mechanically removing the particles too as Puffer suggested. The only other options I can think of are:

1. More patience
2. Water changes

good luck

 

[awwad_m]

thanks ppurcell. I think those might actually be undissolved salt particles. There are some salt particles at the bottom of the tank, and on the sides, and when I moved the water slightly, those salt particles moved and floated in the water.

Should I just empty half of my tank, and try to dissolve those salt particles by mixing the water with a stick or so?

 

[Pufferpunk]

I'd put a powerhead in there, to move things around.

 

[New_Reefer_1]

What would happen if you left a small salt layer that settled on the bottom of your tank and added LS on top of it? Is that dangerious? will you need to make sure all the salt is mixed?

 

[Pufferpunk]

Although it's always a good idea to premix the salt before adding anything else, it would eventually dissolve.

 

[awwad_m]

Yes, I have some salt settled at the bottom of my tank, and stuck on the sides. My water's specific gravity is 1.023, Im afraid that if I mix that salt, the salinity will go up. (I dont think the undissolved salt is too much that it might change the salinity, but I just wanted to ask to make sure.

 

[adamjr]

In the past to remove particulate matter I have used the following method.

One pump or powerhead about 200 gph.
One filter canister such as a whole house water filter housing.
In the filter housing use a woven filter that looks like string wound around a spool. Usually it's good for 5 to 10 microns.
assorted plumbing odds and ends so the canister is outside of the tank and the pump is inside the tank.
Hang it on, plug it in, and go to sleep. I guarantee that it will be clean and clear by morning or your money back for this advice.

Adam

Sorry for the crude drawing but I am sure you get the idea.

 

[adamjr]

Actually it would have been even quicker to post a pic of what I did. And yes, Virginia, that is a Rio pump. Don't pelt me with rotten tomatoes. I bought it when I was very new to the hobby about 12 years ago.

Hope this helps.

Adam