Particles in water - HELP!

Ryan8696 · Oct 8, 2021

Hi guys - this is starting to drive me crazy.

I have particles floating around in my tank and no matter what I do I cant get rid of them - I'm hoping someone can give me some new ideas. I've tried polishing the water with filter floss, running multiple socks (50/100/200 microns), increasing the flow, decreasing the flow, running the skimmer wet, running it dry...but nothing - the little particles are still there. It isn't a bacterial bloom or anything...the particles are similar to when you feed Mysis shrimp etc...

I really don't know what else to try! Any help would be much appreciated.

Ultra Aquatics · Oct 8, 2021

Are you sure they aren’t micro bubbles ? Many times they look the same.

lapin · Oct 8, 2021

Could they be micro bubbles?

lapin · Oct 8, 2021

hahhahaha funny we think alike

air_run · Oct 8, 2021

How new is your aquarium? Do you have fine sand? I used the AF Bio Sand and it is very fine. When it was new it blew all over the place but, as the tank aged it started to clump or get heavy and seemed to settle over time.

Also, I know you might not prefer it visually but, just as a side note it isn't necessarily a bad thing. Just in case you are concerned it is. See this reef for example.

Miami Reef · Oct 8, 2021

air_run said:
How new is your aquarium? Do you have fine sand? I used the AF Bio Sand and it is very fine. When it was new it blew all over the place but, as the tank aged it started to clump or get heavy and seemed to settle over time.

Also, I know you might not prefer it visually but, just as a side note it isn't necessarily a bad thing. Just in case you are concerned it is. See this reef for example.

That’s the COOLEST tank I’ve ever seen!

I have those same particles! What are those????

Edit: I noticed when I stir up the sand a bunch of the small particles shoot up. I have special grade. Maybe it’s detritus? Who knows?

air_run · Oct 8, 2021

Miami Reef said:
That’s the COOLEST tank I’ve ever seen!

I have those same particles! What are those????

He did mention it briefly in one of his videos and said it didn't concern him but, unfortunately I don't remember which one :/ ...I'll find it and get back with you.

Miami Reef · Oct 8, 2021

air_run said:
He did mention it briefly in one of his videos and said it didn't concern him but, unfortunately I don't remember which one :/ ...I'll find it and get back with you.

Maybe the sting rays keep messing with his sand?

Ryan8696 · Oct 8, 2021

Thanks all - definitely not micro bubbles - I've included a video below - not very clear but you get the idea:

Garf · Oct 8, 2021

Ryan8696 said:
Thanks all - definitely not micro bubbles - I've included a video below - not very clear but you get the idea:

Looks like a bacterial aggregate. I get it also. Mine comes from the sump. It’s free coral food

Ryan8696 · Oct 8, 2021

Garf said:
Looks like a bacterial aggregate. I get it also. Mine comes from the sump. It’s free coral food

Thanks Garf - if that is the case what would you recommend in terms of removing it?

Garf · Oct 8, 2021

Ryan8696 said:
Thanks Garf - if that is the case what would you recommend in terms of removing it?

Unfortunately you’ve gotta find it’s source, I can’t do it from here

Ryan8696 · Oct 8, 2021

Garf said:
Unfortunately you’ve gotta find it’s source, I can’t do it from here

Thanks Garf - I'll have a look in my sump and see what I can find. Appreciate your advice.

Miami Reef · Nov 2, 2021

Any update on what these particles are?

When I use a black background the particles are extremely visible. When it’s blue they are gone.

Ryan8696 · Nov 2, 2021

I couldnt really identify what they were (they were harmless - never caused an issue at all). I cleaned out my return pump, skimmer, algae scrubber (all taken apart and cleaned with vinegar) and replaced charcoal etc. and within days the particles disappeared.

Miami Reef · Nov 2, 2021

Ryan8696 said:
I couldnt really identify what they were (they were harmless - never caused an issue at all). I cleaned out my return pump, skimmer, algae scrubber (all taken apart and cleaned with vinegar) and replaced charcoal etc. and within days the particles disappeared.

They…all disappeared?

Can I please see a video of your tank now?

Miami Reef · Nov 2, 2021

Here’s a video of mine.

I still struggle with this problem and nothing I do makes it go away.

a1abeach · Nov 4, 2021

I have this same problem Help
My tank is 17 days old I’ve done one water change three days ago at 25% I have filter socks running no skimmer my LFS told me to turn down my power heads so I turned them off overnight to see if there’s any change and there was none here’s my video