Excess foam in sump - not skimmer related

[moseynme]

Greetings from a clueless newbie! It's 3:20 am here and I'm too tired to think!

I added TBS LR and sand to a newly set-up 72 bowfront RR-AQA and now my sump is creating foam all over the place! Skimmer is not running.

Please let me know what I can do or what thread to read. Thank you so much for your help!

 

[DiazE]

Is your set-up new; how many days running?

I had the same problem due to saltwater not being mature enough. I ran a Hang on back skimmer on my set-up. It will foam for two or three days just like mine.

Keep in mind I used tap to begin with, which has many chemical and metal additions that cause the SW to foam. When the water becomes mature bubbles will not last long on the water surface and they will just pop.

Foaming is due to the water precipitates caused by the new salt water and organics in the LR.

Also, did you add anything other than LR in tank?

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If anybody has a better explanation or wants to correct me, please add on!

 

[moseynme]

Thanks for the reply DiazE!

Tank has been up and running for 'bout 4-5 weeks...but I did add some newer saltwater after adding LR & sand (nothing else was added). I guess I did say newly setup didn't I? I was sleep-typing! I will make sure to age the SW longer...

Tks for your help!

 

[DiazE]

Looks like the LR addition and new SW triggered the foam.

Do you airate your new SW mix 24hrs before adding to display? I mix mine in a 35gal Rubbermaid Brute container.

 

[moseynme]

Yes, I do airate...I have the 35gal Brute too. I ordered the Brute Dolly for it and it works great - even over carpet!

I had just added maybe 5-7 gals DI/RO to the Brute & salt to bring it back up. The foam seems to be quieting down now, thank goodness!

Thanks again!

 

[DiazE]

Then it's the live rock.

 

[Seehag]

I had a lot of foam also when I added the first part. It went away pretty quickly. I used ro/di water with slat mixed in the tank at least 2 week's before adding L.R. I added sand and rock with everything turned off. I turned on pump's and heater's and ran over night then turned on the skimmer. The foam was there in the morning nothing to get excited about so maybe you have more. Did you add the little packet that came with the rock?


Art

 

[moseynme]

I added the packet as instructed, but I did turn on the skimmer after 4 or 5 hours. It seemed fine for an hour or 2 and then it looked like I had added alkaseltzer tablets instead! :spin2:

When I got home today all seems fine, tho...a few bubs but not enough for a panic...

Thanks again for all the info - I really appreciate it!

 

[DiazE]

Post some pictures, when all is well.

 

[moseynme]

Will do, DiazE!

This was the 1st time I had ever entered into a forum, thank you for making it a nice experience! I'm just a nervous little newbie all the way around. lol

Will be back soon with pics!

 

[DiazE]

I'am a newbie too, after 7 yrs freshwater. Just keep reading and asking.

 

[ybenormal]

Everyone is a nooB in this hobby, no matter how many years of experience they might have. Seasoned noobs have learned to read everything, ask lots of questions, then make up their own mind rather than simply following along with the masses.

 

[moseynme]

I had no idea, DiazE!! You must read 24/7!!

ybe - I am definitely not made for "the masses"!! lol
there is always a diferent drummer in my head, whatever tune he plays is catchy ....you just have to listen closely!

...and questions are my forte!

by the way...I found the tiniest little octopus the other nite! I've seen him 3 times since...oh me! oh my! oh help!
(he's soo danged cute!)

 

[Seehag]

They are cute but for all I have read unwanted in a reef tank. I am alos a newbie and only answer questions on something I think that I might know about...


Art

 

[moseynme]

Hey there, Seehag!

I agree 'bout the unwanted! I'm going to try and trap the little cutie and find him a much better and way more informed owner! He's smaller than the eraser on a #2 pencil - more like a mechanical pencil, really...

I've also found a rather pretty little mantis (egads!) - another unwanted. Guess I'd better make 2 traps, eh?!

Wish me lots of luck!