Stuff Growing in Salt Storage Bin?

[rlamos1]

Hi, I use a 20 Gal covered but not sealed Rubbermaid to mix and store my salt water for use with an auto water change system. I use Tropic Marin Reef Pro with 0 TDS RODI and heat/circulate it. I never let the bin run dry so as to keep things rolling with my AWC. Over time, I get this black stuff that looks almost like mold covering the surfaces inside the bin except where the power head is blowing. It is even floating on the water surface and collecting on the wall at the water line.

Any ideas what this may be?

Safe to ignore?

 

[Damon Jensen]

I get brown algae, not the same as use, but definitely in the water. I posted a similar question and was pretty much told it was no big deal as there are micro organisms in the Salt mix.

I would say post a picture, it helps people identify stuff

 

[Mark laar]

I also get Brown spots in my saltwater tank..
Fresh batch sits in there for about 2 weeks before a new batch is made..
Also tropic marin pro..

 

[CK00020]

I get the same thing, I drained mine the other day took it outside and power washed it, nothing moved. Magic eraser works wonders
I can’t believe the power washer did nothing

 

[ReefKeeperElite]

Hi, I use a 20 Gal covered but not sealed Rubbermaid to mix and store my salt water for use with an auto water change system. I use Tropic Marin Reef Pro with 0 TDS RODI and heat/circulate it. I never let the bin run dry so as to keep things rolling with my AWC. Over time, I get this black stuff that looks almost like mold covering the surfaces inside the bin except where the power head is blowing. It is even floating on the water surface and collecting on the wall at the water line.

Any ideas what this may be?

Safe to ignore?

I get the same thing, attached is a video.

This is after a week of freshly mixed Tropic Marin Pro in a newly cleaned storage bin.

My bin is in the garage, and has a Vortech Mp10 pump continuously circulating the water at 25% speed.

It is not heated, so the temp would vary a bit, but normally in the 70s during the summer.

I keep light from the bin by covering the rack with black heavy duty garbage bags.

If anyone knows what causes this and how to prevent, guidance would be appreciated from myself and others!

TMP SW Floaties

youtube.com

 

[ReefKeeperElite]

I get the same thing, attached is a video.

This is after a week of freshly mixed Tropic Marin Pro in a newly cleaned storage bin.

My bin is in the garage, and has a Vortech Mp10 pump continuously circulating the water at 25% speed.

It is not heated, so the temp would vary a bit, but normally in the 70s during the summer.

I keep light from the bin by covering the rack with black heavy duty garbage bags.

If anyone knows what causes this and how to prevent, guidance would be appreciated from myself and others!

TMP SW Floaties

youtube.com

Update: I mixed another batch since then, and turned up the Mp10 to 40%, and this almost completely cut down on the particulates formed in the storage tank. It would seem that continuous circulation at a moderate speed is effective. I'm sure keeping it dark helps too, but that along with good continuous circulation seems to be the key.

 

[CK00020]

I thought I read somewhere that you weren’t supposed to constantly circulate, because it lowers ph

 

[ReefKeeperElite]

I thought I read somewhere that you weren’t supposed to constantly circulate, because it lowers ph

I never read that. If anything, I would think ph would increase since oxygen is being mixed into the water.

 

[CK00020]

I investigated a little, I think alk can drop in some salt mixes, not ph

 

[MaxTremors]

Most likely bacteria. Shouldn’t hurt anything, but I’d probably clean it out every few weeks.