cloudy water

[denshi]

First my readings are as follos amonia 0, ph 7.2, nitrite. 0 nitrate 10
I don't undertand why my water is still cloudy I had the tank for a 3 months already and I belive its cycled already. The tank is a 90 gallon and has 6 fish about 2 to 3 inches each.

 

[WILDER]

Over feeding can cause cloudy tanks, how often do you gravel vac and change water, have you looked at your filter to make sure it is in full working order, and that it isn't blocked up with fish waste.

 

[denshi]

I do a 10% water change every other day. I dont have a vac so I stir the gravel and get the waste with my net. I haven't touched the filters since I don't have carbon I use a filter sponge. I am really clueless because all the chemical readings are good.

 

[steelhealr]

HI Denshi...I've responded to this type of post before. I had the same problem. Numbers looked great. Tank had cycled. Thought I was not overfeeding. Did my water changes, gravel vac, etc. Was driving me crazy. Couldn't see my glass cats in the tank. I was on line at the lfs with water clarificators in hand and ready to chemicalize....and left them behind. Then my tank completely cleared up and is now crystal. I hate to repeat what everyone told me....have patience and stay away from chemicals...and....sometimes when we think we are not overfeeding as starters, we are. Hang in...do the maintenance as Wilder said...and hang in. SH

 

[iobre8ks]

I most likely over fed since i was feeding three times a day and my water in one of my ten gallon tanks is very cloudy i do a 25% water change every two weeks and change the filter every two weeks I am now feeding one time a day and am waiting to see what happens.

 

[stangster]

Quote:

Why is the Water Cloudy, Foamy, or Smelly?
Each of these three problems is caused by a high concentration of bacteria in the water. Uneaten fish food or fish waste in the water provides nourishment for bacteria, that are floating in the water, and feeding on the waste in the water.

End Quote.

They're recommendation is:

1. Carefully clean insides of tank with an approved sponge. (careful not to scratch glass with gravel particles)
2. 20% water changes every day with a gravel vacuum.
3. Reduce the amount of food per feeding.
4. Add some salt, water conditioner and some Quick Cure.

I believe #4 is more of a preventative measure for stress and disease. Perhaps you should try doing a gravel vac instead of stirring up the waste for the cloudiness causing "bacteria".

Good luck!

 

[denshi]

Thanks for the advice I will purchase a vac today. The only problem is that is gonna so hard to vacum because of the decorations I placed on the tank but I will try my best. Hey by the way how do you guys feel about carbon I have been readin that it is useless, so I haven't been using it.