Tiny particles or dust?

[Ricky1066]

All my readings are good My nitrate is 10-15 but been that way since day one Ph is 8.4 but I have lights on alot for now.Alothers 0

I notice that I have two issues I think on is the inside glass is always building up a film I have the magnet but why so much film? I have a pic on the pic so it is hard to clean the back/

Second what looks like little particles /Dust blowing around the tank ?any idea I cannot send pic i they are tiny. I don't want to add chemicals because if there is aproblem that just hides it .I see some of these tanks are crystal clear So what Is that in my tank or is it al normal

 

[dileggi]

The green film could be from nitrates/phosphates in the tank, or the tank still acclimating to your lights. I had the same problem and was cleaning the glass every other day with a magnet. After a few weeks, to a month, it stopped.

Turbo's and and astrea snails usually do a good job eating that film.

Any idea what your calcium levels are? The particles...uaually white, could just mean too much calcium.

It could also be "stuff", like detrius and such blowing off the rocks.

Test your calcium levels. If they're normal, try running some carbon or skimming more wet and see what happens.

 

[Ricky1066]

What do you mean by sk8imming more wet,And as Of now I don't have a calcium test kit

 

[dileggi]

Skimming more wet is simply turning up the skimmer so that it produces more bubbles.

 

[Ricky1066]

Ok I f I do that I get the cup full more correct? I am new And my skimmer is 5 days old?

My readings are all good and lie I said It is not green on the tank just like a film I had regular fish for years and had to clean once in a while so not sure what it is makes the tank look cloudy

But only on top..

The particles could be anythig I knwo my skimmer is hob so it gives off micro bubbles I have a buibble buster on there but some still get through.

 

[dileggi]

Yes, that is correct. Also, if the skimmer is only 5 days old, or so, it could take a bit for your skimmer to break in as well. I think it took mine about 10 days before it started producing skimmate.

I would see if you could get your water tested at an LFS to double check on the calcium. Have you dosed anything to the tank that could've added calcium...like purple up??

 

[Ricky1066]

I have not added anythig to my tank at all I do not like to add chemicals I feel they only hide a problem
I amnot really worried about it just thought I would ask I think it is just part of the process.

But I will bring in some water tonight to the lfs. Should I just ask him to test for all or something specific

 

[dileggi]

Good thought process there. You'll never go wrong that way.

Actually, if you're going to bring the water in, I would just have him do an entire check on the water...never hurts to have a second set of readings.

But, I would ask for the calcium to be tested. If it does happen to be high...over 450...it's still no big deal. Water changes will lower it, or it will just dissipate eventually. Nothing will be harmed. If your CA gets to high, your alklinity will drop, aka, your dKH. Typically, calcium (CA) should be between 420-450 and your dKH between 8-12.

But, judging from your stocking list, the only things that you have that could use the calcium would be the crabs and turbo snails for their shells, so I wouldn't worry either way about that...especially if all your levels are good.

 

[HammerDude33]

why are we testing for calcium?

first you need to have quality test kits at home so you can test your water regularly, and accurately.

secondly, the film is algae. algae from excess nutrients in the water and alot of light in the tank. the skimmer will help with that, bearing in mind it is a decent quality one.
judging from the above statements, i bet the particles are microbubbles from the skimmer. it may, or may not stop producing microbubbles when it breaks in.
i had an aqua-c remora that never stopped producing microbubbles. the only way to stop it was to sell the oversized paperweight and get a good one.