Mag is 1200. Most are similar size. I have not seen large and small variations like the pic u posted. And mine definitely leaves the sand. It actually seemed to be thickest on the rock when it was at its worst. And today's sample was from rock also.
And yup
that was my initial thread before I found this dedicated dino thread. I almost forgot how ugly the tank was then! You can see in the pics there, my rock coverage is very dense compared to the more patchy rock coverage in the pics you attacked. But yeah, The dark definitely had a huge effect. I went 4 days, maybe 5? And it cleared it up a ton. But it came back... Maybe lights not out not long enough. I could go longer I think, as my corals have done fine with the blackout. I might also try h202 for safe measure. Thanks again everyone for all input! Huuuuge help!