New 75 gallon setup...Foam in sump?

[Afrashz]

Hey guys,

So this past weekend I set up my 75 gallon tank. Before hand I washed the entire setup tank and sump with vinegar and washed out with RODI water, a few months ago I cleaned my dead rock with bleach and washed those out many many times using water and even a power washer to ensure bleach was cleaned out. Besides that I used Carib sea live sand. Once I filled up my tank and began flowing water I noticed a frothy foam coming from the sump directly after the water enters from the drain pipe, no foam any where else. This foam does not look soapy and doesn’t have a soapy smell but instead very white and frothy. I used new filter socks as well so maybe it could have been that, does anybody know what is could be from as I am extremely confused

Thanks!!

 

[dugthefish]

I seem to recall similar, I think it was from the sand.

 

[lapin]

Sand scum. Did you wash it? I bet not. If you turn on a skimmer it will prob foam all over the place.

 

[Afrashz]

No I have not washed it, but when I put the foam in a strainer it leaves behind a brown sticky substance must be sand scum...

 

[Afrashz]

Ignore the binder clip just have that in there very briefly as I know it will rust.

 

[MSOEME2009]

I made the mistake of not washing my sand. It plagued me until the end every time I vacuumed it.

 

[Afrashz]

That’s weird I’ve used Carib Sean before and don’t recall washing it and never had this problem I’m regretting it now though

 

[WVNed]

Did you add the little packet of clarifier? if so it is probably that.

 

[Afrashz]

No, I haven’t added that packet

 

[MSOEME2009]

If it's a new tank, just use a filter sock and stir, stir, stir!!!

I also had an external filter sock holder. I'd place it on the side of my sump, and use my python to just drain into the sock. The return pump would take care of the water flow, it just wouldn't go down the overflow. Plus, no wasted salt water!

 

[Afrashz]

Will it ever subside? If so how long would you think

 

[MSOEME2009]

It will go away once the waterborne particles settle out. The clarifier packet helps.

Over time you'll probably see some piles build up in the sump which you just clean out.

It just makes a mess once you stir it back up but I made sure to use a disposable filter pad to help with this.

 

[WVNed]

You have a surfactant in your tank. Skimming out the foam will remove it.

 

[Afrashz]

Okay I hope you guys are right and it’s only the sand, thanks!!

 

[MSOEME2009]

You have a surfactant in your tank. Skimming out the foam will remove it.

+1 for science and word of the day