What is this junk? Is it my algae problem? (1 Viewer)

[jhill9]

I have been fighting an algae problem for a while now and did a deep cleaning of the sump a week ago which didn't seem to fix the issue. Moved on to clean the mixing station and opened the SW tank and found all this junk in the bottom (RO tank was clean). What is it? Looks like sand or something.

Was using Instant Ocean Reef Crystals for the first year of the tank but switched to Red Sea Pro salt (6 months ago) after starting to see some problems. Is there a better salt to use that won't have this problem?

Tank has been pressure washed and now soaking in vinegar bath.

 

[steveb]

Red Sea Pro tends to have deposits especially if you mix the salt for more than four hours.

If I mix <= 4 hours very little deposits, if I mix > 4 then I will tend to see a lot of white & brown deposits usually on the pump but sometimes in the bucket. You should also notice your Alk and Ca being significantly lower than advertised if you over mix.