White stuff floating in tank

[kedgerley]

Need help identifying white stuff floating in tank. Some pieces are quite larger than others (see pics). Sometimes the pieces seem to “blast out” of the return in a little explosion of white particles. I think this happens more significantly (although it never seems to completely go away) after water changes during which I add Fluval Cycle and Seachem Prime. Might these be inducing a bacterial bloom? Or is this more likely a precipitate issue? Definitely a newbie here! Thank you!

 

[blaxsun]

It could be from the additives after a water change, yes. Are you using tapwater or RODI for your salt mix?

 

[kedgerley]

It could be from the additives after a water change, yes. Are you using tapwater or RODI for your salt mix?

I'm experimenting trying to figure out if I can get by with our filtered tap. We are on well water and had it tested. It has very low ppm so I'm hopeful that it will be good enough to use. If I have to break down and go the RODI route, I will but didn't want to add the extra cost and effort if it isn't absolutely necessary.

 

[blaxsun]

You'll be happier with an RODI in the long run.

 

[kedgerley]

You'll be happier with an RODI in the long run.

I think I'm starting to see that. Thanks for chiming in!

 

[vetteguy53081]

I'm experimenting trying to figure out if I can get by with our filtered tap. We are on well water and had it tested. It has very low ppm so I'm hopeful that it will be good enough to use. If I have to break down and go the RODI route, I will but didn't want to add the extra cost and effort if it isn't absolutely necessary.

Using well water for a number of years- A whole house filter -softener-RODI unit is key. As you know, there is a content of Sulphur, iron and heavy metals in the system and no experimenting needed to realize its non beneficial. I only used it in an emergency which was seldom to never.
For the white particle, check your sump. It may be from sediment or skimmer. The object on the glass like like slime but too distant in pic to confirm

 

[Karen00]

Do you see that large particulate in your saltwater mix or is it only after you add it to your tank? I wouldn't think tap water would be adding that. It's possible the smaller stuff but not the larger stuff. I wonder if you filter the water through a fine mesh filter sock first might help. I currently use tap water (city) and don't have this issue. I don't keep anything difficult so haven't gone the RODI route yet.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Do you see that large particulate in your saltwater mix or is it only after you add it to your tank? I wouldn't think tap water would be adding that. It's possible the smaller stuff but not the larger stuff. I wonder if you filter the water through a fine mesh filter sock first might help. I currently use tap water (city) and don't have this issue. I don't keep anything difficult so haven't gone the RODI route yet.

This is well water

 

[Karen00]

This is well water

Yep. I knew that which is why I mentioned I'm using city so not a direct comparison and why I mentioned the filter sock. Ultimately RODI might be the best route.

 

[kedgerley]

Do you see that large particulate in your saltwater mix or is it only after you add it to your tank? I wouldn't think tap water would be adding that. It's possible the smaller stuff but not the larger stuff. I wonder if you filter the water through a fine mesh filter sock first might help. I currently use tap water (city) and don't have this issue. I don't keep anything difficult so haven't gone the RODI route yet.

It doesn’t show up until a while after adding it to the tank. I don’t plan on doing corals anytime soon and won’t be purchasing any high dollar fish so it’s hard for me to justify the extra expenditures and time for RODI. I could easily be convinced otherwise though!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I cannot see how the water source will result in large white globs. Looks more like bacteria or some sort of biological goop product to me.

 

[LeftyReefer]

Just some bacterial slime that got dislodged during a water change. nothing to worry about. it will likely just get sucked back up into your filtration and find a new home.

 

[spicymikey]

Most likely clumps of bacteria consuming nutrients in the water. Do you have high nutrients NO3 and po4? Have you started carbon dosing recently? Bottom line is probably not a bad thing in fact if it is bacteria particles and you have corals then it's actually a good food source for them. If you don't like it then put some filter floss or filter pad in your sump

 

[thaiquangle2022]

anyone know what is this?

 

[Dan_P]

Need help identifying white stuff floating in tank. Some pieces are quite larger than others (see pics). Sometimes the pieces seem to “blast out” of the return in a little explosion of white particles. I think this happens more significantly (although it never seems to completely go away) after water changes during which I add Fluval Cycle and Seachem Prime. Might these be inducing a bacterial bloom? Or is this more likely a precipitate issue? Definitely a newbie here! Thank you!

Might just be dislodged biofilm from the plumbing. If so don’t worry about it.