Reef Dust?

[reeferdude]

I have this junk on the bed of my small reef tank that looks like some sort of dust. What is this stuff and what can I get that eats it?

 

[nm reef]

Sounds like diatoms...I'd suggest a search here on the forums using the "search" feature above. Tons of useful info available...my kole tang makes quick work of any that shows up.

 

[reeferdude]

You think so? I mean the stuff really acts like dust, if you stir it up it will cloud up the water and all of my reef tanks get it sooner or later and it is a HUGE problem!

 

[thomas712]

Is it brown or rusty color? then diatoms
If it is maroon or dark green almost black then possibly cynobactria.

 

[neoreef]

How's your water? Specifically, Ca, alk and pH? What might have happened is a precipitation event where your calcium and your carbonate combined and fell out of solution. If so, you need to take measures to restore balance, or your pH will drop during your lights out period.

 

[reeferdude]

It is gray.

 

[aldog51]

It is detritus. Loose fragments or grains that have been worn away from rock. Disintegrated or eroded matter. Get some detitus eaters like Serpent or Brittle Stars, Sand Sifting Stars, and Snails will do a good job.

 

[reeferdude]

Thats what I figured, I'll hit the LFS this weekend. Thanks!