Particles in water - HELP!

[Ryan8696]

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]

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

 

[lapin]

Could they be micro bubbles?

 

[lapin]

hahhahaha funny we think alike

 

[air_run]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Garf]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Here’s a video of mine.


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

 

[a1abeach]

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

 

[a1abeach]

Last video was to big I guess

 

[Miami Reef]

Last video was to big I guess

Can you upload the video to YouTube and post the link here? Videos are not visible when uploaded the way you did it.