UV Light

[Narwhal72]

If the cloudiness is caused by a bacteria bloom or algae bloom then yes a UV sterilizer (connected to one of your canister filters) will clear it up pretty quickly. This appears to be what is happening.

Cloudiness caused by suspended particles will not be affected by a UV sterilizer. But this does not appear to be what is causing the cloudiness based on your description of the setup and maintenance.

Andy

 

[countryboy]

Treating a bacterial bloom with uv is just masking the problem. Are you disturbing the bio media too often? Over feeding? Cleaning bio-media causing mini cycles?

 

[dundadundun]

i'm wondering about w/c's, personally.

if you're not automated or easy drain and fill with python or such, this would tremendously help...

connect your shower head like this and use the coupling to attach a hose so you can match temps...

if you have several different height tanks you can go one further and accommodate them all like this...

which can go together as such for shorter tanks...

or can be fully assembled for taller tanks...

just connect a garden hose, hang it on the tank and go. hands free, bucket free, effortless water changes can make keeping that pesky tank in line almost a pleasure instead of a dreaded chore.

ball valve is optional... especially if you can see your tank from a close proximity to your shower faucet.


just wanted to throw that out there just in case since UVCs usefulness has been covered.

 

[AbbeysDad]

Cloudy water is most often a bloom of facultative (decomposition) bacteria resulting from an abundance of dissolved organic material in the water. Killing the bacteria does not solve the root cause. The most likely cause of excess dissolved organics is over feeding or a lot of dissolving detritus in the tank. Perhaps cutting back on feeding and/or waste removal from the substrate may help. Fine filter floss in the filter to polish the water may help. Seachem Purigen, a synthetic resin that adsorbs dissolved organics. Occasional use of a diatom filter leaves water crystal clear.