View Full Version : Will my Eco-Complete EVER clear up?
I have a new 135g that I'm trying to get up and running for a Malawi tank. I bought 150# of Eco-Complete for African Cichilds 3 weeks ago. I rinsed the HE!! out of it before I put it in the tank... but my water is STILL cloudy 3 weeks later... and after multiple large water changes with extensive gravel vacuuming.
What is up with this stuff?? Will my water EVER be clear?
Any suggestions?
mrsdorothy
08-14-2005, 8:46 PM
You are not suppose to rinse eco-complete.
aknif
08-14-2005, 10:21 PM
The bag said to rinse it until the water was no longer milky and only cloudy, which is what I did.
I believe you're thinking about eco-complete for planted tanks, not eco-complete for Africans. Two very different products.
cdawson
08-15-2005, 10:28 AM
I agree, you're not supposed to rinse it.
If it's a newly setup tank a bio filter needs to establish itself. If you added any decor from an already established tank it could be a bacteria bloom. No substrate should make your water cloudy for three days, except maybe laterite or flourite.
aknif
08-15-2005, 10:48 AM
If i'm not supposed to rinse it, then why does the bag say specifically to rinse it until the water runs from milky to just cloudy? :huh: I have been reading online and apparently there are two forms of eco-complete for africans. One does say that rinsing is not needed and that the gravel comes "packed in a conditioning solution for immediate use". That is NOT the product I bought. Mine came just like normal gravel, dry, in a plastic bag. And the bag said to rinse it until the water runs cloudy. And yes, it was Carib Sea Eco Complete for African Cichlids. So I'm at a loss here.
It is a newly set up tank, there is nothing in it but water and the eco-complete. No decor, no fish, no heaters or anything else. (I have been waiting for the cloudyness to clear before doing anything else) I have two old top fin 60 filters running on it, but the cloudyness of the water does not clear through the filters. It's cloudy, but it's not particulate that would get caught in the filters. Just looks like someone poured a couple cups of Milk into the tank.
Should I add ammonia and start a fishless cycle? Does the tank need a simulated bioload to clear the water?
Have you tried one of those products that is supposed to clear cloudy water ? I think I would give that a try...
Kasakato
08-15-2005, 5:32 PM
Maybe someone DID pour some milk into the tank ;)
Try doing some like 3 back to back 50% water changes. That should do it.
Silly Silly Kas..... ;) I've done about 7 or 8 90% water changes including 2 back to back yesterday.... all the while gravel vaccing. And it looks worse today than it did before I started yesterday.
I've put some charcoal in my filter bags today, as was suggested by someone in the chats... so we'll see if that helps.
I also planned to put 2 filstar xp3's on the tank, once I got the water cleared up, but it was suggested that I get them on the tank now and get some good filtration going with charcoal too. So i'll be placing a large Big Als order soon.
Hopefully that will help!
Debra Mark
08-15-2005, 6:07 PM
good work Sis! will be keeping my fingers crossed.....and keep away from the yogurt and skim milk!!! LOL
;)
Kasakato
08-15-2005, 6:14 PM
Maybe your glasses are dirty? ;)
Don't do the gravel vacs. Just water changes. Try that.
CajunCC
08-15-2005, 10:06 PM
Once you add fish, waste and such will build up on the gravel dust and your tank will clear up FAST. I had the same issue with my gravel. Rinsed the heck out of it but it was still cloudy. Once i added fish, it was crystal clear in a few days.
aknif
08-15-2005, 10:22 PM
God I hate it when that punk kid is right..... ;)
I drained the whole tank of water tonight and refilled it without disturbing the gravel... it's clear as a frickin' bell. ARG! :rant:
It's only looked like hell for 3 weeks.... So annoying! But OK! Now I getta go shopping! YAY!!
:D
dave76
08-17-2005, 11:08 AM
I have found when adding new subtrate that is somewhat cloudy (sand) that if you use a python, when removing the water close the valve and make sure that water remains in the vacuum. reverse water flow and slowly let off of the valve to restrict waterflow to a minimum when filling. If there is sediment that needs to settle changing water in large quantities can sometimes stir it back up. I know they are two different animals but maybe that will help.