Default Substrate is getting clumpy.....Is this an issue?

jcovercash · 11/25/2009, 02:40 AM

I noticed the past few times that I have worked in my tank that the sand has started to get clumpy on the top layer in a few places, both in the tank and in the refugium..

Its mainly just the top layer from what I can tell and its very easy to break it back up to a fine sand again with my hands.

What could be causing this? My parameters have been stable at CA 450, dKH 10.5, mg 1440, Ph 8.1-7.9, SG 1.025.

I have added a kalk reactor in the past month (run topoff through it 24/7), so I am assuming that would be where this issue is coming from, or is this a typical issue for saltwater tanks? Just dosing more than my tank is using and its precipitating into the substrate? I haven't noticed any buildup on my pumps or heaters however....

Is it bad for this to happen?

Thanks,
Josh

hfleming · 11/25/2009, 08:05 AM

I am interested in this as well. I have seen the same problem in my fuge.

Frick-n-Frags · 11/25/2009, 08:12 AM

2 things can do it:

1) precipitation of minerals
2) biological cementing by bacteria

the surface one is usually precipitation, lower down usually bacteria

goochesfish · 11/25/2009, 09:43 AM

http://www.reefs.org/library/aquariu...97/0797_4.html

11/25/2009, 02:40 AM	#1
jcovercash Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Salisbury, NC Posts: 192	Default Substrate is getting clumpy.....Is this an issue? I noticed the past few times that I have worked in my tank that the sand has started to get clumpy on the top layer in a few places, both in the tank and in the refugium.. Its mainly just the top layer from what I can tell and its very easy to break it back up to a fine sand again with my hands. What could be causing this? My parameters have been stable at CA 450, dKH 10.5, mg 1440, Ph 8.1-7.9, SG 1.025. I have added a kalk reactor in the past month (run topoff through it 24/7), so I am assuming that would be where this issue is coming from, or is this a typical issue for saltwater tanks? Just dosing more than my tank is using and its precipitating into the substrate? I haven't noticed any buildup on my pumps or heaters however.... Is it bad for this to happen? Thanks, Josh __________________ Click the little red house for my build thread. Current Tank Info: Building a 75 Gallon setup......

11/25/2009, 08:12 AM	#3
Frick-n-Frags Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: north central OH Posts: 10,740	2 things can do it: 1) precipitation of minerals 2) biological cementing by bacteria the surface one is usually precipitation, lower down usually bacteria __________________ Only Dead fish swim with the current. Current Tank Info: 2 50 gal tanks, sump, still BB

11/25/2009, 09:43 AM	#4
goochesfish Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,305	http://www.reefs.org/library/aquariu...97/0797_4.html __________________ The Gooch, my Beagle, may she RIP 1995-2011 Current Tank Info: 150 gallon Starfire set up July 22,09, 30g QT

11/25/2009, 08:05 AM	#2
hfleming Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 69	I am interested in this as well. I have seen the same problem in my fuge.