water quality

[Dyncaus]

i have been wondering about the water quality in my tank... they water is clear for the most part, but there are always tiny little white specs floating around, there are quite a few of them, but they are very small, the water is not cloudy or murky by any means, but i am just wondering if i should have any of this small debris floating around in my tank or if they water needs to be crystal clear. also, there is film on the top of my tank, i am guessing because i have no surface skimmer, i did however direct my PH to disrupt the surface, and it helps for most of the tank, but there is still about 1/3 of the surface that the PH does not disrupt and still has the film, could this be causing the tiny white specs in the water? thanks

[Tim Marvin]

I have found when I get a slight film on top of the water in my cube it is time for a water change. So yes you may have a slight water quality problem. I am guessing it is protiens that have not actually turned to a good foam yet. A 20%-30% water change should take care of the problem.

[GaryP]

The film on the surface is organics. I would try adjusting your overflow, if possible, so as to take the thinnest layer of water possible. You can blot it up with paper towels. This is usually an indication that you are not doing a good job with your protein skimmer, if you have one.

The white flakes may be calcium carbonate that is coming loose from inside your return hoses or pumps. They are probably not a problem but you may want to replace or remove and clean your return hoses with vinegar. Just make sure that the flakes don't accumulate inside cup shaped corals like pagodas or capricornis. I clean out any debris from my cup shaped corals with a turkey baster.

Gary

[Tim Marvin]

Gary, he stated he has no skimmer or overflow. I think the best option without buying more equipment would be water changes.

[GaryP]

OK, you're right. Thanks, Tim. Directing your PH to the surface is just hiding the symptoms, not solve the problem. It will just float back to the surface.

Gary

[Tim Marvin]

Sorry Gary, I hope I did not come across harsh.

[GaryP]

Not at all Tim. My mistake for not reading the post carefully. I thought he was referring to a surface skimmer as being some sort of overflow.

Gary

[Dyncaus]

i do actually have a protein skimmer, but its a HOB prizm, so it doesn't skim ther surface or anything, sorry if my post was confusing, i do not have an overflow or any type of add on surface skimmer however. i don't have a sump or fuge or anything. i guess i will try doing a water change to see if that solves the problem, thanks.

[Tim Marvin]

On the cube I run a hot magnum and a closed loop on SQWD. No other filtration. I get the film once in a while if I neglect to do a small water change for a couple weeks. The cube is full of life, and I mean FULL.

[Dyncaus]

thanks, i'll do water changes more frequently, maybe 5% once a week? i have been having problems with nitrate as well, so maybe this will also help that.

[GaryP]

I think your nitrate levels may be another indication of the same problem. The organic wastes that you see on the surface and the nitrates could both be the result of inadequate skimming and/or over feeding. Either there is excess nutrients going in, or insufficient waste coming out. Hope that helps.

Gary