Soap in tanks!

[Jay12345]

I believe I have soap in all 3 of my tanks. At first I thought a part of equipment involved in my rodi vat was contaminated with soap. Found soapy residue in my rodi vat. I then tested the source water to rule out soap there, soap residue detected. I have a water softener installed prior to rodi, idk if that would cause any soap or bubbling. I’ve done 50% wc using lfs salt water and things are looking better. Skimmer and rox 0.8 carbon in sump as well. There’s not a ton of bubbling but there definitely seems like there is soap in all 3 tanks. All of my fish, softies, lps and bta look happy. This soap seems very stubborn and isn’t seeming to dilute with large wc. 1st question: where is my soap coming from? 2nd question: is there going to be an end to soap in my tanks? 3rd: how bad is soap really? Pics attached of soap.

 

[Copingwithpods]

If it is soap and just not some other bubble causing byproduct like some puttys used to glue frags down only thing I can think of is your hands or washing filtersocks or equipment with soap.

 

[Crustaceon]

I wouldn’t worry too much as your skimmer pretty much will find every last molecule of soap and will force you to empty the cup every two minutes if necessary. I typically have this happen with my filter socks due to residue from the washing machine and especially if I don’t rinse them well enough before reuse. My tank has never lost inhabitants because of this.

 

[Jay12345]

I wouldn’t worry too much as your skimmer pretty much will find every last molecule of soap and will force you to empty the cup every two minutes if necessary. I typically have this happen with my filter socks due to residue from the washing machine and especially if I don’t rinse them well enough before reuse. My tank has never lost inhabitants because of this.

I’m not having to dump my skimmer cup. It’s not going crazy like I would expect. I just see suds and it looks like it’s excessive even with the big wc, skimmer and carbon.

 

[Jay12345]

I

If it is soap and just not some other bubble causing byproduct like some puttys used to glue frags down only thing I can think of is your hands or washing filtersocks or equipment with soap.

I have soap like this in all 3 of my tanks and it started after big wc in all 3 tanks from my rodi mix. I don’t use glue for frags, don’t use filter socks, and use gloves and tongs to grab things in my tank.

 

[Copingwithpods]

I'd say ask around your house if any containers were used for things other than fish stuff. I've had my SO wash a bucket with soap and water thinking she was doing good. If so be tactful and forgiving, not everyone is a fish nerd like us.

Edit and disclaimer :

Copingwithpods is not responsible for broken or damaged property resulting from listening to his advise. He is also not responsible for any bodily, emotional or spiritual damage that may come about from acting on such advise.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Does it smell like a deterrent?

There are other things that can't cause foaming, like has been said epoxy being one.

 

[Jay12345]

Does it smell like a deterrent?

it is odorless.

 

[Flippers4pups]

it is odorless.

Could be bacterial.

 

[Jay12345]

Could be bacterial.

In all 3 tanks? Using same salt water to do wc in all 3

 

[Flippers4pups]

In all 3 tanks? Using same salt water to do wc in all 3

Do you or someone in the house burning candles, using air freshener, household cleaners.....etc?

These can cause "foaming".

 

[Chefandreef]

did you use chemiclean for red slim? I know that foams my tanks up real good every time I use it and I have to change about 35-40% of the water over a couple of weeks to get it back to normal. Just my experience, I hope you find something

 

[Jay12345]

did you use chemiclean for red slim? I know that foams my tanks up real good every time I use it and I have to change about 35-40% of the water over a couple of weeks to get it back to normal. Just my experience, I hope you find something

Nope. Also, 3 separate systems same issue. Two tanks in one building. 3rd tank in a different building.

 

[Copingwithpods]

Nope. Also, 3 separate systems same issue. Two tanks in one building. 3rd tank in a different building.

This is starting to sound like a question only you will know the answer to. "soap" started after a water change using salt, containers and methods all 3 tanks share. Only you can narrow down what exactly that could be.

 

[lilgrounchuck]

Maybe try hooking up the rodi before the water softener then?

 

[TriggerFinger]

I read a thread recently where a reefer has her rodi hooked up after a whole house softener and it was contaminating her water. She bypassed the water softener and was able to get her water back in check. Can you move the rodi to before the softener?

 

[lapin]

I believe I have soap in all 3 of my tanks. At first I thought a part of equipment involved in my rodi vat was contaminated with soap. Found soapy residue in my rodi vat. I then tested the source water to rule out soap there, soap residue detected. I have a water softener installed prior to rodi, idk if that would cause any soap or bubbling. I’ve done 50% wc using lfs salt water and things are looking better. .................

You have gone from point A to point Z to see where it is coming from.
If LFS water helped, then I doubt its your tank equipment.
Sounds like the softener or incoming water is the issue.
Are you maintaining the softener or is a company doing it?
DId your water company flush the lines or something? You might call them and ask.

 

[Crustaceon]

I’m starting to think this is actually completely normal and may not have anything to do with an additional chemical entering the tank. Looking at the bubbles in the sump, this could be from a herbie drawing air. Also notice how both drain lines are above water level in the sump? This will cause air to be drawn below the surface and will cause foaming in that chamber as a result. It would happen to everyone here, including myself. This will especially hold true in between water changes. Ever notice how your skimmer stops producing skimmate for a little bit after doing a water change? It’s probably the same thing that’s happening when lfs water is being used. I think if we’re going to theorize any further it would have to be based on what shows up in an ICP test. As noted, all tank inhabitants are acting normal and the only issue we’re seeing is foam emanating from a sump chamber that has water falling into it above the surface and is clearing injecting air. Personally, i’d add a few pieces of pvc to extend those drain underwater about 1” and see if the foam issue improves.

 

[WVNed]

I dont see anything unusual in your pics. Water from a saltwater tank will foam. That is why a skimmer works.

 

[TriggerFinger]

Hey @Jay12345 out of curiosity, what salt mix do you use?