cloudy water

Forgive the very "newbie" question. My tank has been running about 2 weeks, still cycling with live rock. I added aragonite sand about 1 week ago. Since then, my water has been cloudy - when the lights are on, I can see tiny particles floating all through the water. I assume these are partly from the sand, from the salt mix, and/or from the live rock. Is this normal? How can I remove them? I have filter floss in my sump (in the baffle), but it doesn't seem to be doing the job, as the water is still cloudy.

 

Hi JJK

few opinions from me to start you off

1 - the water will clear, the fine particles stay in suspension can be so fine as to pass through the filter medium, but eventually will find a place to settle
2 - tank is 2 weeks old, are you putting lights on just to have a look? or are you leaving them on? many people cycle without lights in order they dont experience micro algae blooms
3 - also note you have Octopus skimmer, is it running? same comment again really, many people would not run that until tank has cycled as it robs the water of nutrients that bacteria could use and at this stage bacteria is what you want to be cultivating

Just my 2 cents to start with

Steve

 

Thanks for the reply, Steve. My skimmer is off for the time being (plan to turn it on in another 2-3 weeks after the water change). I turn my lights on just for about 4 hours per day to prevent the coraline algae from dying off - I have heard that this is not enough time to encourage bad algae to grow?

I was just wondering if I need a temporary filter (like a hang-on-back filter) to help clear the water for the time being.

 

what steve said - right on
the stuff from the sand takes a long time to clear, if you dont have the patience and want clear water quicker - get a finer floss filter and wash it frequently, it will clear in a day or two
definitely turn the lights and skimmer off.. you can run the lights only for a few hours a day

 

+1 with the both of them... Another recommendation I would give would be for next time, to pre-wash the sand before you add it... helps a bunch in this scenario... As long as you clean that filter pad day in and out, eventually you'll get those suspended particles... Also make sure you are testing daily for your ammonia, nitrites and nitrates so you know when the cycled has ended and to do your first water change...

Best of Luck

 

Thanks guys. I will take the advice!