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  • Cloudy Water

    Hi All.  I developed a problem over the weekend with my 60 gallon tank.   All of a sudden the water became cloudy.  I checked the Nitrite level and the Amonia level and both are at 0.   Here is my setup:   60 gallon with an AquaClear 70 HOB.   I have 6 Discus, 8 Dwarf Chichlids, 5 Cat-O, 1 molly, 14 Cardinal Tetras and 3 Emerald Catfish.   I do a 50% water change 3x a week in the tank for the Discus.   The only thing that has changed is that I added the Cat-o's and the tetras on Friday.  I also did a water change on Friday afternoon and yesterday evening.  

    Any ideas??  

    Thanks everyone.
    My tanks:
    30 gal - African Cichlids Tank
    60 gal - Discus Tank
    30 gal Hex - Not in Use

  • #2
    Re: Cloudy Water

    How long has this tank been up and running?
    50 % water changes are great, but how do you treat the water every time you change it?

    CF
    Truth is the cement that holds the bricks and stones of a sane and civilized society together. Remove the former and the latter will crumble.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Cloudy Water

      CF,
      I have had the tank running approx a few months.   Before adding the fish, I talked with Dan over at Aquarium Warehouse and got one of the bacteria packets from him to cycle the tank.   I've hadn't had any problems with cloudy water until this weekend.  :(
      For my water changes, I have a 32 gallon barrel in the garage with a pump (thanks again to Dan) which I fill up and add the dechlorinator to it.  I usually fill it up and add  after I do the water change so that the chemical has time to do its thing.
      My tanks:
      30 gal - African Cichlids Tank
      60 gal - Discus Tank
      30 gal Hex - Not in Use

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Cloudy Water

        It could be an algae bloom, if not a bacteria bloom.  Either way, it's an excess of nutrients being introduced into the aquarium water.  This could be too much food, too much fish waste, or even Nitrates and Phosphates from your tap water.  Whatever the cause, you'll want to keep up the partial water changes, and maybe reduce the amount you are feeding until it works itself out.  And keep an eye on your fish because the oxygen available to the fish is going to be lower during this time.
        Our Fishhouse
        Sleep: A completely inadequate substitute for caffeine.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Cloudy Water

          Imagirlgeek has covered it better than I could have, I have heard others mention, cutting back on the time you use your lights to combat this issue.  

          Good Luck

          CF
          Truth is the cement that holds the bricks and stones of a sane and civilized society together. Remove the former and the latter will crumble.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Cloudy Water

            Thanks.   I did check the levels yesterday afternoon prior to the water change and it was fine.   I will also cut back on the amount of food given (just hope that the Discus don't attack the tetras).   Should I look at adding an airpump to the tank?
            My tanks:
            30 gal - African Cichlids Tank
            60 gal - Discus Tank
            30 gal Hex - Not in Use

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Cloudy Water

              I know that just about every LFS have Air Sponges in their tanks or Power Heads for their main filtration, and I believe it's a good idea to use one in any tank. I use them in all my tanks along with Eheim's Canister filters and my Emperor HOB's.  I have an air pump on every one of my tanks at home and here at the office.

              CF
              Truth is the cement that holds the bricks and stones of a sane and civilized society together. Remove the former and the latter will crumble.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Cloudy Water

                Hmmm....would you recommend an Air Sponge or a Power Head then?    And thanks for all the help and advice!  I love this forum!
                My tanks:
                30 gal - African Cichlids Tank
                60 gal - Discus Tank
                30 gal Hex - Not in Use

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Cloudy Water

                  i dont know when you added the bacteria pack but cycle which is also concentrated bacteria says on the back that it will cause cloudy water.  if you added it recently then this could be your cause.
                  I love my Fahaka "Peter" puffer.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Cloudy Water

                    Thanks everyone.  I ended up running out last night to get an air pump because I was noticing that the fish were kind of breathing heavy.  they seem to be a lot better this morning.  Water is still cloudy.  Plan on doing another water change tonight after I get home from work.
                    My tanks:
                    30 gal - African Cichlids Tank
                    60 gal - Discus Tank
                    30 gal Hex - Not in Use

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Cloudy Water

                      Try a sponge filter for now, see if that doesn't clear up your tank overnight.....

                      CF
                      Truth is the cement that holds the bricks and stones of a sane and civilized society together. Remove the former and the latter will crumble.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Cloudy Water

                        Much Thanks CF.  I will attempt to get by Aquarium Warehouse today to get one.
                        My tanks:
                        30 gal - African Cichlids Tank
                        60 gal - Discus Tank
                        30 gal Hex - Not in Use

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Cloudy Water

                          Just wanted to give everyone an update.   I added the sponge filter, did a 60% water change, the tank is now crystal clear!  Thanks everyone for the help & info.
                          My tanks:
                          30 gal - African Cichlids Tank
                          60 gal - Discus Tank
                          30 gal Hex - Not in Use

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Cloudy Water

                            Way cool....

                            Dont clean the sponge filter with tap water....as a matter of fact, I wouldn't clean it at all for the next six months. If you don't overfeed your fish, it will take months before you need to clean it.  Then when you do, use water from your tank or another chlorine/choramine free water source.  

                            CF
                            Truth is the cement that holds the bricks and stones of a sane and civilized society together. Remove the former and the latter will crumble.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Cloudy Water

                              Will do CF.   And thanks again for all of the great advice.  
                              It's really nice to beable to see my Discus again.  
                              My tanks:
                              30 gal - African Cichlids Tank
                              60 gal - Discus Tank
                              30 gal Hex - Not in Use

                              Comment

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