algae problem..I think??

[kelleyincolorad]

Recently my tank has had cloudy water...I've read other posts regarding cloudy water and I honestly cannot tell you if it's white or green..I'd lean towards green?? I've scrubbed the tank and changed the water frequently, but it's not improving. The fish seem fine.
I don't see anything growing on the plants, rocks, etc...
Could this be caused by dead snail? We came home one day to an empty shell..not a nice thing to find. I never did find any snail parts. We think a water change killed the snail..hard to tell with snails! Anyway, other than changing the water a lot (is there an amount I should change in this case?), is there anything that can be added to clear things up?
I moved the tank today to a wall that doesn't get as much light. One side of the tank was exposed to afternoon winter light..could that have messed up the water??


Oh---thanks to those who gave me goldfish vacation advice! The lettuce leaf did the trick and we came home to happy, healthy fish!
Kelley in Colorado

[Alexander Hoss]

It can be algaes of some sort, but it can also be a problem from outside the tank. I'm thinking about your water supplier. In any case I'd try a product called "Dupla Crystal" or something similar. Its supposed to bind up the particles in your water so that it gets big enough to stop in your filter. Remember to clean your filter afterwards.

Alex

[OrionGirl]

To confirm--fill a white container (those styrofoam coffee cups work well) and see if it is green.

Contact your water utility and get a report that tells you what all is in the water. Free floating algae could be from high phosphates in your water, or from the type of food you use. The water report will let you know which is the source.

If you do not have live plants, reduce the photo period to the times you are home--the fish don't really care. Otherwise, if you have enough light, try adding some low light plants like anubias or crypts. They will help reduce the nutrients the algae are eating right now.

[kelleyincolorad]

I never thought to call the utility company about the water...thanks! I'll do that and I'll try the product mentioned. I did just clean the heck out of the tank and the floaties are back...yuck...a trip to the fish store is in order today!

Thanks again, Kelley in Colorado