[dclaghorn2]

I just cannot seem to get my water clear. It always seems to have a decent amount of particulates in it, and lately, after I did my H2O change on Saturday, it's just downright cloudy. Have been using Oceanic salt with RO H2O, and haven't been real fond of it. Am trying Tropic Marin this next batch. I've been changing my carbon about every 2-3 weeks, but today bought something at LFS called "Algone" Two different LFSs told me that it's because my LR is still curing, that it wasn't cured when I put it in the tank.
sp gr 1.022
PO4 - 0
NH3 - 0
NO2 - 0
NO3 - 30+
Ca - 750 (by the way, how do I get THAT down???)
The coralline is growing really well...

Thanks for your suggestions.

Dave

[dhboyd1]

I bought a little hang on filter for my tank and it really helped clear things up pretty quickly. I quit using it after my tank cycled and now have it for my QT tank.

[pogodzib]

I wouldn't use the algone in a saltwater tank with LR. How long has your tank been setup and do you know if the cloudiness is from the sand or a algae bloom? It sounds like your tank is fairly new. Fine sand can get into the water and cause cloudiness and is usually more common in saltwater tanks than an algae bloom. The sand dust usually settles down once bacteria starts weighing the particles down. Changing salt brands my cause your water parameters to change, causing precipitation, which can also cause the water to be cloudy.

[dclaghorn2]

The tank is about 2-1/2 months up. The LR was partially cured, live sand (the real kind, not that aragonite you buy at the LFS in a bag). You wouldn't use the algone though? They claim it to be fine in salt - oooohhhh, now I see your point... Fine in salt water, not necessarily reef-safe. I know a lot of people are using Oceanic salt, but I have also read a lo of complaints. My LFS sells this exclusively, but they are in a different water district (even though I am using purified RO water). The water districts in my town actually sell only IO or Tropic Marin, and I am going to give the latter a go.