Cloudy Water

[hihi100202]

well, i am currently setting up a 10 gallon tank, and the water is cloudy.

I think this is referred to as new tank syndrome. So, How do i get the water to be not-cloudy? or should I just leave it for a while?

 

[fishnovice]

ADVICE NEEDED please guys -I've got cloudy water too in a tank which has been established for >4 months.
Problem began when filter stopped working properly as sponge was clogged with bits of plant.Didn't realise till it was too late. Since then I've cleaned out the filter which now works OK, added another filter so the tank has twice as much filtration as it theoretically needs, done sevral water changes (twice weekly) and it's still as cloudy as it was 3 weeks ago. All fish and snails in tank seem healthy so far though, swimming actively and eating lots. None dead -fingers crossed!I've got guppies, mollies, platy and some baby bristlenoses.

 

[OldMan47]

For both of you, new tank syndrome has nothing to do with cloudy water. It is the blanket description that a LFS will apply to what happens to fish in an uncycled tank. It refers to the chemical poisoning that often happens to fish in an uncycled tank.

Cloudy water is not usually a problem that needs a solution. It often seems to happen during a cycle and clears on its own shortly after. If you have a green tinted water that is also cloudy, cut back on the amount of time that the tank lights are on and it will disappear quickly on its own.

For FishNovice, check your water chemistry. If you had a filter stop and then failed to retain the old media, you may well have a mini-cycle or even a full blown cycle happening in your tank. Your water changes may be all that is keeping the fish alive and it would be good to know one way or the other. Test right before your next water change and post the results here please so that we can help you.

 

[JoolsA2]

You could use some "Accu-clear." Thats what i used to clear cloudy water once. Another thing that works is live plants. That also worked in one of my tanks.

 

[hihi100202]

I'v been looking at that accu-clear stuff... seems it should work. i think ill try to snag a trial sized one and see how it works

 

[fishnovice]

For both of you, new tank syndrome has nothing to do with cloudy water. It is the blanket description that a LFS will apply to what happens to fish in an uncycled tank. It refers to the chemical poisoning that often happens to fish in an uncycled tank.

Cloudy water is not usually a problem that needs a solution. It often seems to happen during a cycle and clears on its own shortly after. If you have a green tinted water that is also cloudy, cut back on the amount of time that the tank lights are on and it will disappear quickly on its own.

For FishNovice, check your water chemistry. If you had a filter stop and then failed to retain the old media, you may well have a mini-cycle or even a full blown cycle happening in your tank. Your water changes may be all that is keeping the fish alive and it would be good to know one way or the other. Test right before your next water change and post the results here please so that we can help you.

 

[fishnovice]

Thanks for advice OldMan47. A few weeks ago I just rinsed old sponge in tank water, removed dead weeds and replaced in filter. Also put small piece of old sponge in new extra filter. Just checked water stats with API kit before yet another water change
Ammonia 0 (or nearly so, difficult to tell with cloudy water)
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
Fish and snails are healthy, water smells OK, it's just cloudy. No trace of green algae in water or on glass, tank gets little daylight exposure

 

[hihi100202]

oh I got the accu-clear. works great! it takes a few hours to make the tank all clear, but i noticed a difference just 20 minuets after putting some in

 

[drobbyb]

The accuclear works, but if the original problem still exists, you will have cloudy water again. It's best to sort the problem than to rely on chemicals as they are only temporary.

 

[hihi100202]

yes, yes. im kepping the tank lights off for awhile because there is sorta a green tint to the water