Food Dust In Gravel

[Dextersmummy]

hi all. I got a sponge on a long handle to wipe my fish glass and I poked it into the gravel a bit only to notice clouds of food dust goodness all I can think of is I'm feeding to much? I'm feeding the micro granules blood worms now and then and a few flakes. its got me worried now ill have to do a clean and vacuum. hope u can help x x

 

[4seasons]

It may not be food. Do you have hard water? My water is so hard that I get a buildup of water deposits in my filter and gravel. Anytime I disturb the gravel I have to do a large water change to get rid of all the junk I stir up.

 

[hensonc4098]

Watch your fish while you're feeding them. If you see any going to the bottom and you don't have any bottom feeders, feed a few smaller pinches rather than one large one so that the fish get it before it sinks. Also, if you only feed every other day then it will encourage foraging behaviour in the fish, keeping them active and your tank cleaner.

It could also be fish poop. If you have small tetra type fish then their poo will look like dust when you stir the gravel. The best thing to do is get a gravel vacuum that you can dig around in the substrate to hoover up whatever it is. Whatever it is, food or poo, it's not going to be doing much good sitting there.

 

[Gilli]

Do you do a weekly water change and hoover your gravel at the same time? What are your water stats? if you are feeding too much your nitrate reading will be high.