White dust in rocks

[nvladik]

Evening all. Quick question for those who know what this is, really hope it's nothing but it does seem to affect my zoas, some are not opening. It's very lite powder like substance, blows off with direct water movement but come back quickly. Took best pics I could and any help is much appreciated.

 

[thegrun]

Could it just be sand? How long has the tank been set up? What fish do you have in the tank?

 

[nvladik]

Tank a year, fish antheas, hippo, purple tank, algae blenny, a goner goby, nemo, blond naso.

I also think it might be sand, but it seems sticky, flow by itself is not blowing it off and I am running Neptune WAV at 50%.

 

[dreaddinit]

I had this kinda happen when I had Pods first populate my system. They seemed to almost mine the rocks. The dust just blew off though for me.

 

[OrQidz]

Could it be calcium precipitating out?

 

[nvladik]

Could it be calcium precipitating out?

Doubt it. It would dissolve eventually, mine is doing reverse.

 

[thegrun]

Calcium precipitate will not normally dissolve without very low pH, but it also attaches aggressively and cannot easily be blown off the rocks, so I doubt it is calcium. I suspect it is sand fines either deposited by one of your fish or sucked up by the powerheads. Off topic but how do you like the WAVs?

 

[nvladik]

I love it. Had vortecs before (not QD), moved to Gyre 150 and now these. Sticking to wave for the long term. Might even add a third pump and have three on the back wall separated by 18 inches.

 

[nvladik]

I am a Neptune Systems addict

 

[thegrun]

I've been running MP-40's on my 120, but they are the nosiest equipment on my tank and I saw the WAVs at Reef-A-Palooza SoCal and was impressed with how quiet they are and how much water they move. I also like the ability to aim them rather than the single direction MP-40's. I'm not looking forward to having cords in the water again, might have to pull the trigger.
Thanks for the input and sorry to hijack your thread,
Mike