Cloudy Tank

[ortizhomerun34]

I have had a small 2.5 gallon Tank with a single betta for about two months. When I first cycled it, I noticed whitish cloudiness in the water. I have read on several forums that this is normal and should go away on its own. I added my betta after a week and have conducted regular cleanings and water changes with a water conditioner, but still have the cloudiness. I make sure not to overfeed as I understand that can be a cause. I tested the water and have found that the water is very hard and slightly alkaline, but shows no nitrates, nitrites, or chlorine.

Should I perform a substantial water change? Filter the gravel several times over a few days with smaller water changes? Let me know what the community thinks are the best steps to take to get my water clear!

 

[Colin_T]

Milky cloudy water is caused by uneaten food or organic matter rotting in the water.

Having an established biological filter will help to prevent this.

If you don't have a filter, then reduce feeding to 3 times a week and do a 75% water change and gravel clean the substrate 4-8 hours after feeding.
Make sure any new water is free of chlorine/ chloramine before it's added to the tank.