another noob question

[stlblufan]

I've searched high and low for the answer to this question, so apologies if it has been asked and answered.

Every tube in my system (from pumps to reactor, return line, from skimmer, etc) has turned from clear silicone to sort of an orange color. Worse, every time I turn the pumps off for feeding or maintenance, when I turn them back on, some of the orange gunk that is causing the discoloration is discharged into the tank. What is this and how do I deal with it?

Many thanks!

 

[Breezp]

Have you tested your water recently? Could be nitrate or some sort of detrius. I would test the water. Also check your filtration pads/socks. See if maybe they need to be changed. How long have you been noticing this color change?

 

[frnkynlop]

Hey stlbufan,

How old is ur tank, how often do you do mainteance on it?

The only reason I ask is because this happen to me when I neglected my quaterly overhual. I think it might be some kinda of algae. I used to get this stuff in my tubes and was pretty bad to the point it would clog it. What I do, even till now I use one of those tube brushes that they sell in petland and scrub it out. I was having this problem when I was having problems with the nitrates. I'm not saying that's your problem, but might want to make sure ur trates are in check. I still get in my tubes, but not as bad and I clean it out every 3 or so months. Hope this help's

Frank

 

[stlblufan]

I've had the problem pretty much since the day I set up the system. I changed filter socks often, and have recently (last several months) not used one at all. The tank is about 16 months seasoned. Nitrates are slightly elevated, everything else is in normal range...I'll post actual numbers when I get home.

 

[stlblufan]

Hey stlbufan,

How old is ur tank, how often do you do mainteance on it?

The only reason I ask is because this happen to me when I neglected my quaterly overhual. I think it might be some kinda of algae. I used to get this stuff in my tubes and was pretty bad to the point it would clog it. What I do, even till now I use one of those tube brushes that they sell in petland and scrub it out. I was having this problem when I was having problems with the nitrates. I'm not saying that's your problem, but might want to make sure ur trates are in check. I still get in my tubes, but not as bad and I clean it out every 3 or so months. Hope this help's

Frank

Hey thanks, that's good advice. I never knew that there was anything to clean the tubes, I'll check out petland. Per my previous post...'trates may indeed be the problem.

 

[frnkynlop]

No prob here's the link for the one I got http://www.petlanddiscounts.com/detail.asp?product_id=374337

also, are you using ro water, what test kits are you using and make sure your test kits are not expired.

 

[stlblufan]

No prob here's the link for the one I got http://www.petlanddiscounts.com/detail.asp?product_id=374337

also, are you using ro water, what test kits are you using and make sure your test kits are not expired.

I am using RODI water and I use Elos test kits...don't believe that they're expired but I will double-check.

Thanks for the link!

 

[frnkynlop]

And just one more thing are you using a tds meter to check the quality of ur ro water.

 

[lfsmarineguy]

The real problem here isn't the water but the fact that you used clear hose for your plumbing. Clear hose lets light in and that helps algae grow. It's a common mistake for beginners since most stores stock the clear hose and it's usually cheaper. You never want to use clear tubing. I would recommend shutting down the system and swapping out the clear hose for the black or PVC pipe. It has nothing to do with cleaning it out it will always regrow. As the algae grows inside the tubes inner diameter decreases which reduces flow and creates turbulence.

 

[Breezp]

The real problem here isn't the water but the fact that you used clear hose for your plumbing. Clear hose lets light in and that helps algae grow. It's a common mistake for beginners since most stores stock the clear hose and it's usually cheaper. You never want to use clear tubing. I would recommend shutting down the system and swapping out the clear hose for the black or PVC pipe. It has nothing to do with cleaning it out it will always regrow. As the algae grows inside the tubes inner diameter decreases which reduces flow and creates turbulence.

+1 ... And if your trates are rising your growing unwanted diatoms like brown algae. Which will most likely explain the color.

 

[reefnhard]

agree wit the others swap the tubes