Tank looks "dusty". What is this?

Discussion in 'Protein Skimmers' started by bthomson, Jul 16, 2009.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

Page 1 of 2
  1. bthomson

    bthomson Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2009
    Messages:
    162
    Location:
    Norton, KS
    I have my protein skimmer running usually 24/7 and there always seems to be this "dusty" looking stuff floating around in my tank. Is this normal for saltwater aquariums? I never had this problem in my 20g. My skimmer doesnt seem to be able to pull all of it out. Im running a Coralife SS 125, which pulls some pretty nasty skimmate but leaves this "dust"?
     
    bthomson, Jul 16, 2009
    bthomson, Jul 16, 2009
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. TROYBOY84

    TROYBOY84 Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2009
    Messages:
    236
    Location:
    LACEY, NJ
    sounds like you may have a fish or invert that likes to kick up the sand bed, i have a bullet goby that does the same thing
     
    TROYBOY84, Jul 16, 2009
    TROYBOY84, Jul 16, 2009
    #2
  3. iLLwiLL

    iLLwiLL Sailfin Tang

    Joined:
    May 6, 2009
    Messages:
    1,715
    Location:
    Central FL
    sounds like micro bubbles, try turning your skimmer off for a few hours and see if its still there.

    ~Will.
     
    iLLwiLL, Jul 16, 2009
    iLLwiLL, Jul 16, 2009
    #3
  4. bthomson

    bthomson Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2009
    Messages:
    162
    Location:
    Norton, KS
    negative on the microbubbles. i do have an engineer goby but i dont ever see him digging. he just hides in his hole. that would be my guess though is that its him
     
    bthomson, Jul 16, 2009
    bthomson, Jul 16, 2009
    #4
  5. mattheuw1

    mattheuw1 Montipora Capricornis

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2009
    Messages:
    1,046
    Location:
    SE Wisconsin
    +1 on microbubbles, got a sump? if so got baffles for bubble trap? If no sump and skimmer hangin on back, then 100% microbubbles. If sump and skimmer in the sump then prolly just sand.
     
    mattheuw1, Jul 16, 2009
    mattheuw1, Jul 16, 2009
    #5
  6. bthomson

    bthomson Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2009
    Messages:
    162
    Location:
    Norton, KS
    i have let my tank sit a day without a skimmer and its not them. if you look close it looks like dust or pocket lint honestly
     
    bthomson, Jul 16, 2009
    bthomson, Jul 16, 2009
    #6

    7. Click Here!

  7. iLLwiLL

    iLLwiLL Sailfin Tang

    Joined:
    May 6, 2009
    Messages:
    1,715
    Location:
    Central FL
    and thats what zillions of microbubbles look like floating around a tank. you gotta leave it off for more than 15 mins to let them dissipate before ruling out the skimmer.

    ~Will.
     
    Last edited: Jul 16, 2009
    iLLwiLL, Jul 16, 2009
    iLLwiLL, Jul 16, 2009
    #7
  8. bthomson

    bthomson Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2009
    Messages:
    162
    Location:
    Norton, KS
    ok well ill try it again. thanks guys
     
    bthomson, Jul 16, 2009
    bthomson, Jul 16, 2009
    #8
  9. carbonad

    carbonad Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2009
    Messages:
    70
    Location:
    Bristol, CT
    +1 on the micro bubbles.

    Here's a vid of some that I had. All fixed now. ;D

     
    carbonad, Jul 25, 2009
    carbonad, Jul 25, 2009
    #9
  10. devlzluv

    devlzluv Ritteri Anemone

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2009
    Messages:
    640
    Location:
    vb
    how did you fix your problem, I always thought mine was just debri but closer inspection and its micro bubbles. Im jealous of peoples tank, fill us in on it
     
    devlzluv, Aug 18, 2009
    devlzluv, Aug 18, 2009
    #10
Page 1 of 2