Dirty water?

[DweeboDylan]

I just put together my tank and got it set up and started cycling it yesterday. everything is running fine but there is a lot of salt residue and build up at the top of the water and along the sides of the tank. I got my water pre mixed from a local Saltwater fish store so I don't think water is the problem. it looks pretty dirty on the surface and I just want to make sure everything is alright. Can someone help explain if I did something wrong or if I need to do something to fix.

 

[EmdeReef]

I just put together my tank and got it set up and started cycling it yesterday. everything is running fine but there is a lot of salt residue and build up at the top of the water and along the sides of the tank. I got my water pre mixed from a local Saltwater fish store so I don't think water is the problem. it looks pretty dirty on the surface and I just want to make sure everything is alright. Can someone help explain if I did something wrong or if I need to do something to fix.

Post pics. Do you have sand? What you describe is very common initially while the sand is settling

 

[JohnIsNewToReefKeeping]

want kind of sand did you use and did you wash it before hand ?

 

[DweeboDylan]

Post pics. Do you have sand? What you describe is very common initially while the sand is settling

Just uploaded a picture, and yes I have CaribSea live sand

 

[JohnIsNewToReefKeeping]

yeah should have thrown in a filter sock to help filter out all of the little sand. after a bit of time it will settle and go away .

 

[DweeboDylan]

want kind of sand did you use and did you wash it before hand ?

I rinsed it out, I did not use soap because I thought it was bad for the tank to have soap in it. and I used caribsea live sand, it is what Reef Plus (local saltwater fish store) recommended I use

 

[DweeboDylan]

yeah should have thrown in a filter sock to help filter out all of the little sand. after a bit of time it will settle and go away .

ok thank you, and what is a filter sock?

 

[EmdeReef]

Just uploaded a picture, and yes I have CaribSea live sand

Sounds like just the debris from sand. Increase flow and let it settle or get filtered out. You can wipe the sides of the tank occasionally too with an unscented paper towel and get some of it out. Nothing to worry about though

 

[DweeboDylan]

Sounds like just the debris from sand. Increase flow and let it settle or get filtered out. You can wipe the sides of the tank occasionally too with an unscented paper towel and get some of it out. Nothing to worry about though

Ok thank you, I was really worried because its my first tank but thank you for the help

 

[JohnIsNewToReefKeeping]

next time when you buy live sand dont rinse it out.

 

[Qasimja]

perfectly normal it will settle

 

[DweeboDylan]

perfectly normal it will settle

Thanks!

 

[Cell]

next time when you buy live sand dont rinse it out.

Rinsing wont kill the bacteria, but it will get rid of all the dust. Always rinse before use. @brandon429 has a thread and/or plenty of evidence to support this.