CLOUDY WATER

[PETE A]

I would like some help from the members please. I do a weekly water change of about 30% and clean both internal Interpet 4 filters in the dirty water which has been removed, but have noticed on the last 2 times, that after a day or two the water seems to go misty looking and on the last water change I took all the decor (rocks and a couple of false plants) and cleaned off any visible signs of algae.

The tank 36'' 12'' 15'' I must confess is well stocked but usually after previous water changes in the past within a few hours the water is clear and any loose particles are not to be seen.

Has anyone got any answers to this problem because it spoils my enjoyment to see the water darker than normal and that the fish do not stand out as they should do. I have always maintained the tank in the same way so why now is the water becoming more cloudy.

Is it worh considering an external filter and changing the filter media I have allways used carbon and change it every two weeks in both filters.

 

[cryosi]

having used both internal and external filters , i would recommend an external filter anyday. I find these very easy to clean and use.

 

[cichlidmaster]

Try this;

A few days before the water change, pull some tank water and clean your filters. Then do your regular water change when due.

Some say you should not clean filters the same time as water changes as this is what may happen. I don't buy into it due to doing water changes and filter cleaning together wilth no ill effects.

 

[gadazobe]

Is it a green mist or a milky mist.? Green is most probably algae - maybe too much light - try keeping the tank in darkness for a couple of days. If you have no live plants, then it will be ok - the fish won't mind. Milky could be a bacteria bloom and should settle down within a day or so.

 

[PETE A]

ON your question on what colour the water is it just looks dirty and brownish in colour. Considering that I have not had any problems in the past I am totaly confused.

Hope this has been of some use and will try with the light off for a couple of days thanks Gadazobe.

 

[Dragonslair]

Pete
How is the cloudy water?

 

[PETE A]

Thanks for the interest Dragonslair,

Today I have completly cleaned the gravel washed the couple of plastic plants I have, left the real ones although I noticed that they were covered in a black covering on the leaves, and cleaned both internal filters in the dirty drained water as usuall.

I have added two cap ful of some Anti Alage Slime and hope that will be the end of the matter the front of the tank seems to get odd patches here and there but comes off quite easy when scapped with the class cleaner.

The water after the change looks alot clearer and tomorrow I will add some clear water tonic and hope the water returns to a near perfect condition.

I can only guess that last week on a couple of days the sun has been shining directly into the tank and has caused for the sudden increase in the algae problem. The tank is not really close to any window and only now and again does the sun's rays shine onto the tank.

I am still thinking of investing in an external filter although my two Interpet 4's work fine,and would hope that if I did invest it would be a good choice and dirty water would be a thing of the past

The water that I removed today was very dirty and even brown coloured the fish all seem to be in good health and still feeding okay but I have not known the tank to get this bad over a week or two in the past.

As I stated befofe the tank is probally a bit overstocked but I am putty in my LFS and cannot resist the temptation but have reliased now the only other option is another tank will have to be purchased

 

[Great Lakes]

Hiya Pete,

About the only thing I can think of to add is maybe a problem with your water source. If its parameters have changed, this could contribute to your trouble.

 

[wetwetwet]

Just a thought, I don't suppose you've added any bogwood recently?

 

[PETE A]

Wetwetwet, Great Lakes

No to both questions, and I have now added some clear water tonic ( INTERPET 3 FILTER AID) which I am glad to say has helped but the still appears to be, a milky appearance on the suface and the is no smell.

Hoping after this week the water will be as clear as a button after another weekly change here's hoping.