Is my water supposed to be yellowish?

[jeromefong]

I did a water change and noticed that the water I sucked out was yellowish in color. It isn't that noticable in the tank, but in the white bucket, it was very obvious that the water wasn't clear. Is this normal? Does this indicate anything important? All the other test indicators seems to be fine. Does this indicate I need to get a skimmer?

thanks,

Jerome

 

[ChrisRD]

A skimmer will help. So will using activated carbon (stick to good quality stuff that doesn't leach a lot of phosphate).

 

[Anonymous]

The yellowish tint are diatoms in the water, it is normal, and yes a skimmer will help.
As an experiment mix some SW in a white bucket with a powerhead and let it sit for a few weeks, it will become yellowish too.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[Anonymous]

Actually, various organism give off yellowish compounds in seawater. Oceanographers use terms like CDOM, “gelbstoff,” “gilvin,” to describe them. CDOM is colored dissolved organic matter. There is a wealth of research on ocean color and optical property of seawater.

 

[Anonymous]

I agree if ya run good quality activated carbon in the thank and that will clear right up. A skimmer would be nice also.