Even with filter sock- stuff suspended in water colony

marino420td · 01/14/2007, 01:22 PM

My tank has been running since July 2006 and there has always been particles floating in the water column. I recently began using a filter sock but I still can't seem to get that crystal clear look that appears as though there isn't even water in the tank.

Any suggestions?

old salty · 01/14/2007, 01:28 PM

I have the same thing, but regard this as perfectly natural. I run a filter sock for one day out of the week when doing a water change. A powerhead to blow out the LR really removes lots of junk, and the next day, there are far fewer "floaties" in the water.

REMoses · 01/14/2007, 01:49 PM

Are you absolutely sure these are floating particles and not microbubbles?

marino420td · 01/14/2007, 03:12 PM

There are some microbubbles but mostly particles.

REMoses · 01/14/2007, 03:33 PM

Couple of things.

Tighten up your plumbing on your return in order to reduce microbubbles. Use generous amounts of teflon tape. Bubbles may also be introduced from the sump as well.

As for the particulates, increasing the flowrate from your sump may help as it will force more water through the sock. Remember to change the sock constantly as this will also help in nutrient export.

I also agree with old salty, a small powerhead used to mix things up a bit can help tremendously. If you see that you have a few areas with deadspots, a powerhead my be need as a permanent addition to increase your flow to these areas.

01/14/2007, 01:22 PM	#1
marino420td Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Cape Girardeau, MO Posts: 2,529	Even with filter sock- stuff suspended in water colony My tank has been running since July 2006 and there has always been particles floating in the water column. I recently began using a filter sock but I still can't seem to get that crystal clear look that appears as though there isn't even water in the tank. Any suggestions?

01/14/2007, 01:28 PM	#2
old salty Genius Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: The Island of Misfit Toys Posts: 3,131	I have the same thing, but regard this as perfectly natural. I run a filter sock for one day out of the week when doing a water change. A powerhead to blow out the LR really removes lots of junk, and the next day, there are far fewer "floaties" in the water. __________________ "The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers." Thomas Jefferson Current Tank Info: Out of the marine aquarium hobby

01/14/2007, 01:49 PM	#3
REMoses Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 84	Are you absolutely sure these are floating particles and not microbubbles?

01/14/2007, 03:12 PM	#4
marino420td Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Cape Girardeau, MO Posts: 2,529	There are some microbubbles but mostly particles.

01/14/2007, 03:33 PM	#5
REMoses Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 84	Couple of things. Tighten up your plumbing on your return in order to reduce microbubbles. Use generous amounts of teflon tape. Bubbles may also be introduced from the sump as well. As for the particulates, increasing the flowrate from your sump may help as it will force more water through the sock. Remember to change the sock constantly as this will also help in nutrient export. I also agree with old salty, a small powerhead used to mix things up a bit can help tremendously. If you see that you have a few areas with deadspots, a powerhead my be need as a permanent addition to increase your flow to these areas.