Aquarium Water Clarifier

[Mei Lin]

So I know that adding any form of chemicals to your aquarium is risky and you shouldn't do that unless it's a last resort for cleaning or maintenance...so how bad are aquarium water clarifiers regarding their chemistry?

 

[OrionGirl]

I prefer water changes. Clean water is by far the best thing that you can do for the health of the fish. Most of the clarifiers won't treat a problem, just just cover up the symptom.

 

[jbradt]

Agreed. Between water changes and proper filtration, there should't be a need for a chemical clarifier.

 

[fishorama]

Some have flocculating agents that help "clump up" fine algae & other fine particles but you still have to vacuum out the clumps. So really it's no more useful than plain old water changes.

I'm with them ^^, WCs!

 

[Mei Lin]

Thanks!

 

[fishorama]

It can help to put fine filter media like filter floss, quilt batting or pillow stuffing (watch out for fire retardants, etc). It will clog fast, likely in several days, maybe a week or so.

How long are your lights on? More than 7 or 8 hours is probably just growing algae that can make water look cloudy.

Rather than a clarifier, if you really need to "do something!" (beside WCs) you might try Chemi-Pure. It's a resin/carbon product that, back in the olden days of under gravel filters, we used to help make the water crystal clear. UGF can add to DOCs (dissolved organic compounds) & make the water cloudy too. It comes in a media bag with enough product to treat at least 55g. So if your tank is smaller, you'll want to buy fine media bags & divide it. It lasts for 3+ months.

But your lack of water clarity may also be from overfeeding. Too much food (& poo) add to DOCs & cloudiness. I feed adult fish maybe 5 days/week.

Just some more things to think about...

 

[Mei Lin]

Thank you, fishorama..you have some good points

 

[smitty]

Nothing beats a good water change.