GM Kristy;

I checked the water to see if it was micro bubbles as I used to have that problem when the skimmer was settling in - its actual small particles of sand it looks like. - The sand bed is the usual live sand aragonite type size.

Interesting point re not cleaning too thoroughly- does this include the collection cup and neck?

Because of the original micro bubbles with the skimmer I made a bubble trap to stop them.

I do have live rock in the return area of the sump I'm wondering if this rock is breaking down resulting in the particles getting back to the tank?

- I didn't add my sump rock into the equation - it is the same rock that was once live but dried out - its been in there coming up 4 weeks now. Probably about another 15-20 lbs.

I do need to find some 'less expensive' rock - $7.99 a lb is too much for me!