API Master Test Kit Results, Cloudy water question continued

[MichaelC427]

Hi everyone, as suggested in a previous post, I purchased the API Master test kit and the results were as follows:

Ph - 7.5
Amonia - 0
Nitrite - 5.0
Nitrate - 5.0

After the test I did add some API Aquarium Salt as one of the suggested recommendations(I watched in amazement as my Oscars began to EAT the salt, all I could do was laugh and hope I don't have dead fish in the morning)....anyway, I didn't notice where any of the test results were "far out of whack" or "not what they should be" according to the test kit information, does anyone have any idea's on why my tank is still cloudy?

[jennypenny]

It's not a good idea to add salt directly into a tank (I am also unsure why you added salt at all, but didn't read your earlier post). Anyway, it can burn the fish, and I hate to think what would happen if it was eaten in big granules. Salts should be dissolved in a separate container and then added to the tank.


Also you shouldn't have any nitrite in the tank. A little nitrate is okay, but do a water change to get the poisonous nitrite out of there.

[CaptnDan]

Yup, definitely start doing water changes asap. I'd do 50-75% now, and 50% tonight and see if that helps... Keep up with the water changes till thos nitrites go down.

What appears to have happened is when you got the new filter, you basically removed the vast majority of your biologocal filtration. In other words, you're starting from scratch with the cycle.

Your cycle will go quicker this time, because you have a bit of the bacteria you need already in the tank - it's in the substrate. But we need it to be in the filter where it can do more good...

Just hang in there with the big water changes, the filter will catch up.

[MichaelC427]

Thanks again CaptnDan, I will do a 50-75% water change when I get home tonight, also does anyone have any suggestions on how I can go about treating the new water being added to the tank, remember, I am in New Orleans, our water system is not in the greatest condition right now.....

[jennypenny]

In order to treat the water you need to know just what you are treating. If possible call the water treatment plant. Ask what chemicals are in the water, and what "icky" stuff is likely to be in the pipes.

If it is really bad, boil the water and then let it cool before you add it to the tank. You will still need to get some kind of chemical primer depending on what kind of chemicals are in the water.

[dabaers]

You can use a standard water conditioner like aquasafe *there are many brands* make sure it treats for heavy metals as well as chlorine and chloramine.


Kath

[CaptnDan]

If it is really bad, boil the water and then let it cool before you add it to the tank. You will still need to get some kind of chemical primer depending on what kind of chemicals are in the water.

Hmmm... Well, boiling will kill off some bacteria, but certainly not all. Otherwise, boiling the water will only serve to increase the concentration of most contaminants.

The New Orleans water system (which is where the OP lives) is treated with Chloramine, so that definitely needs to be dealt with. Chloramines, like chlorine, are toxic to fish and amphibians at levels used for drinking water. Unlike chlorine, chloramines do not rapidly dissipate on standing. Neither do they dissipate by boiling.