"Dust" in tank.

DarkEcho · 07-06-2009, 08:28 AM

Hey guys, I recently set up a 10 gallon tank. I am using a Marine land Penguin BioWheel 150(Made for 30 Gallon Tank). This tank has been setup with Top Fin Water Conditioner, and I recently added ACCU-CLEAR, to try and clear everything up. Well, ACCU Clear works, but i still have these "Dust" particles in the tank. I've allready done 2 20% water changes, because I have 3 small sharks in the tank. All my plants are fake. Whatever is in my tank is really light, as soon as i turn off the filter, it all floats to the top. The filter doesn't catch this stuff though.. Is it something natural maybe? It literally looks like someone blew dust into the tank. From end to end, the tank is clear, just these dust particles whipping around.

Any help is appreciated.
-J

louistheloach · 07-06-2009, 11:41 AM

What are you using for a substrate?

If your circulation is good enough to keep the particulates suspended in the water while the filter is on, it should eventually clear. Adding some kind of media to the filter that catches smaller particulates would help, I think one of rena's poly pads has a double layer that is meant to catch smaller pieces, maybe that could be cut to fit in your current setup. If it is from your substrate, it should be nothing to worry about.

I once added laterite to my established tank. Even following the directions it left a lot of "dust" in the water that took a while to clear, but it did eventually clear. I think the same thing occurs with a flourite product also.

ltl

DarkEcho · 07-07-2009, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by louistheloach

What are you using for a substrate?

If your circulation is good enough to keep the particulates suspended in the water while the filter is on, it should eventually clear. Adding some kind of media to the filter that catches smaller particulates would help, I think one of rena's poly pads has a double layer that is meant to catch smaller pieces, maybe that could be cut to fit in your current setup. If it is from your substrate, it should be nothing to worry about.

I once added laterite to my established tank. Even following the directions it left a lot of "dust" in the water that took a while to clear, but it did eventually clear. I think the same thing occurs with a flourite product also.

ltl

I think circulation is optimal. It does clear some eventually. My substrate is Mixed color rock. Some is organic material, but I really think its dust from my room, we have 4 big dogs, which create less then clean rooms all over the house. I think I'm going to try a Ionic Breeze, maybe catch some dust that I can actually see around the tank. My thought is that its getting in right by the filter.

Now for another subject. I'de like to upgrade to a 50gallon eventually and go salt. I was online on Marineland's site, and saw the "Emperor" line of filters. The only difference is that they are 2 of mine side by side, and have "spray bars" on them. Are they any good? I personally feel the "Bio Wheel" operates backwards. Instead of rolling clockwise, it should go ccw, allowing the water to actually flow THROUGH it... As a newbie, I could be dead wrong...

Ideas?

Thanks
DE

louistheloach · 07-07-2009, 12:28 PM

I seriously doubt that it is dust from your room unless it looks like the Snoopy cartoon character "Pigpen". We live on a farm, have two cats and a dog and lots of dust from, well, life.....and I don't see dust in my three tanks. When I turn off the filter, sometimes I have a whitish film that will collect on the surface....is that what you are referring to. If so, that would be dead bacteria, long string protein that have not broken down et al. That is an indication that there is not enough surface agitation and oxygen levels could be low in your tank.

My personal opinion on the bio wheels is they are unnecessary. I am not a salt person so I am not an expert, but most of the reading I have done is that a sump system is preferred, at the very least get a canister. You will want to pose that question under the saltwater section for the best advice.

ltl

bernard · 07-07-2009, 05:48 PM

Lets hope u haven't already sprayed;any air borne chemical may end up in your tank water;had apt. sprayed for roaches way back when ,had to seal top & then no guarantee ,IMO the dust is from the gravel & it will eventually settle .FWIW & any one may chime in try a "J" cloth to soak up dust??? tty bernard