Milky Water

[SlyPolak]

Ok, so I have had this 25 gallon tank for about 6 months and no problems whatsoever... A few days ago the water got a bit cloudy so I did a 35% water change and cleaned the heck out of my filter (in tank water)... But it seemed like it just got worse and does not look like its getting better!!! Is it possible I started a mini-cycle with the water change and filter cleaning??? Stats were OK a day ago, im going to check them again in a little bit and post but the only thing showing up yesterday were a little nitrates. NO recent additions and no new plants/rocks!!! Im stumped PLEASE HELP

 

[KeithV]

I had the same problem awhile ago and it eventualy cleared, from what I understand its a bacterial bloom that causes the milky white water. I eventualy increased my filtration by changeing filters and it helped the situation a lot. I think you're right that you may have triggered a false "break in" cycle because everything I can find about bacterial bloom/cloudy water ect...says that that's when it occurs, and that it stays till the mechanical and biological filtration can catch up and then the water gets clear again.

hope that helps a little...

KeithV

 

[Gilli]

You have a bacterial bloom. Decaying plants, a chemical imbalance or excess food that remains uneaten, or even a dead fish you havent noticed can cause the milky water seen in bacterial bloom. Keeping the aquarium very clean by removing debris such as decaying plants and uneaten food, vacuuming the gravel regularly, and performing partial water changes, will quickly resolve most cases of bacterial bloom. Cut back feeding to every second or third day, which will cut down on excess food decay.

What are your water readings and do you use a proper liquid test kit?

 

[backtotropical]

Try reading the Bacterial Blooms Explained article.

You'll find a link to it in the pinned 'Beginners Resource Centre' at the top of the page in the 'My New Freshwater Tank' section.

 

[SlyPolak]

Thanks, will definately read that article. I use the API Master Kit and I just tested again and the reading are-- PH- 7.6 Ammonia- .25 Nitrite- 0 Nitrate- 40 .... I guess there must be something wrong since theres ammonia but I dont see any dead fish or decaying plants, I must be feeding too much I will cut down to every 3rd day and see what happens.....

EDIT: I see now, there is ammonia present BECAUSE of the bloom... ""As the ammonia production increases due to the increased mineralisation, the nitrifiers are slow to catch up and so you see an ammonia spike until the autotrophs reproduce enough to take care of it""

 

[SlyPolak]

So I just did a thorough vacuuming and there was'nt much of anything, not too much poo or bad food. Double checked for dead fish or rotting plants and still nill, I am quite puzzled why there is a bloom but hopefully it will pass soon. Thanks all