H2O

[rmd8110]

Does anyone have a problem with their water looking really dirty? It's not cloudy it all. But it has tons of little specs of stuff. I'm assuming it's just so small that the sponge doesn't hold it so it just keeps going out and coming back in. Would this have anything to do with needing a skimmer or like a diatom filter. (whatever it's called, i can't think of it right this second). i was told i needed to wait to get a skimmer til i get some fish...and i don't have any yet. i'd sure like it to be clear and would love some input. Thanks.

 

[mr . salty]

What are you using for a filter?? If possible you should add some mico/polishing filter media to your filter.This will pick out those extra small particals...I would skip the skimmer till there is something in the tank to skim...No fish=no dissolved protiens or waste to skim....

 

[rmd8110]

i just have a sponge that goes across and i clean it as often as it needs it. I have mine set up exactly how my LFS has all of his set up. He's the one that set it up that way actually. But his don't look anything like mine. i guess i'll have to call him and see what he says. He doesn't like sand tho so he'll probably say that's what it is. Thanks for the reply.

 

[kris walker]

Sometimes sponges become homes for pods. This sounds like what might be happening.
sam

 

[fuglyfish]

if you have a pre-filter try cleaning or changing it.

 

[cyn]

I clean all of my pre filters when I change my water. I shut off the powerheads and rinse the prefilters in the waste water and then put them back.
As far as the suspended stuff in the water, I believe a skimmer or a filter with some media may help. For a better answer, you need to give more info. What exactly is in the tank? Is the cycle over? Lights? What are your water parameters? From what you told us, it is very hard to answer your question well.
HTH,
cyn

 

[rmd8110]

I clean the sponge pretty much every other day is about when it needs it. i have 125 gallong tank with 160 lbs of live sand, 175 lbs live rock and a cleaning crew. That's it. no fish which is why i don't feel it is time to put a skimmer yet. total on the lights is 260 watts. is there any other info i can give you to help?

 

[wamp]

No skimming= living dangerously. Now i am not saying you should run a skimmer or not. Hey, thats your call however, dissolved organics build up in water that has no fish. From dead or dying corals or bacteria on your live rock. But thats just my opinion.

 

[luke]

When did you add the sand??
As for skimming: I would say it is manditory with fish, and really won't hurt without. It will not remove small particulate (unless it happens to be dissolved protien)
Luke

 

[rmd8110]

The last time i added sand was Dec. 14th..so it's been a while. I had always planned on getting a skimmer but had heard i didn't need one til after i get fish. This is the first time i've heard to get one now. Anyone have a fav on skimmers that would work well in a 125 gallon? Thanks a lot!

 

[swazo]

I had the same problem. I got a powerhead 402 with the attachment filter for the bottom of it. The filter is a water polisher and that should clean up your tank in a day.
Swazo

 

[rmd8110]

I went to my lfs and he said to try Kent marine clarifier. He said it's because i have sand. So we'll see. I added the rest of the live rock i needed so it will probably be tomorrow before it clears up anyway.