Sand Like Debris at Bottom of Newly Cycled QT???

[kempec98]

Hey all,

Just got my QT cycled finally (using Dr. Tim's One and Only with Ammonia Chloride method) and I have noticed this sand like debris (see attached pictures) at the bottom of the tank and on the PVC piping. Now before I go do the water change, should I vacuum this stuff up or should I leave this stuff for the new established bacteria in the tank? I have not added anything from my Display Tank to this QT in any form and its a bare bottom tank with just the PVC piping and an air pump in it, just FYI.

Water Parameters With Salifert Test Kits

Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0.25
Nitrate: .50
pH: 7.2
Salinity: 1.025
Temp: 77 F

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

pH is really low, it looked like you had mineral precipitation when you mixed the Salt with the water. BTW, I just use water from my Display for my Quarantine Aquarium, even do the Quarantine Tank water changes from my Display. Cheap, easy, has the bacteria and, it’s easy on the new fish. With the Plus of doing water changes on my Display,

 

[kempec98]

pH is really low, it looked like you had mineral precipitation when you mixed the Salt with the water. BTW, I just use water from my Display for my Quarantine Aquarium, even do the Quarantine Tank water changes from my Display. Cheap, easy, has the bacteria and, it’s easy on the new fish. With the Plus of doing water changes on my Display,

The pH has been steady at 7.4/7.5 until recently. What is the recommend pH level for QTs and how do you raise it to get it there? I already have an air stone, HoB filter and a wave maker in the tank. Is there anything I missing?

 

[disaster999]

I wouldnt go lower than 7.8. You can add ph buffer to increase it, which will also increase your alkalinity so I wouldnt add too much if your alk levels is already high.

Keep monitoring your ph levels and see if you see a significant drop over time or it stabilizes. If it keeps dropping worth looking into why.

As for the "sand" Its just normal everyday marine detritus. Just vacuum it when you do a water change.

 

[Dburr1014]

You didn't mention the salt that you used but most salt will sometimes precipitate a clay like substance when mixed up. That is most likely what it is and what it looks like.