Here is the situation. We have a 20gal. freshwater tank with 3 White cloud Tetras, a Pleco, 2 Rainbow Sharks and 2 infant Angels. Before we purchased the Rainbow Sharks and Angels my husband did a partial water change. Ever since we added the new fish we have had an on going problem with the tank. First we did another partial water change where my husband made the mistake of rinsing out the bio-filter. So we were recomended a product called Stability to re-establish the bio-filter. Then we got a the tank got even more cloudy. Then we got a algee bloom. My husband took in a large water sample and was told the water was just fine. We were told to change out the filter again and add a product called Crysal Clear, which did clear up the algee bloom. As of today the tank is still cloudy, we are really at a loss as to what to do next or what is causing this to not clear up. We had the tank set up a few years ago but this time we just keep having issues with it. If someone could shead the light on what might be going on we would appreciate it.
Cloudy tank
- Thread starter chukker
- Start date
How long ago did you rinse the bio-wheel? It could be a bacteria bloom if your tank crashed. Also save your money because the only product that will cycle a tank is bio-spira. For the algae try leaving the lights on less time per day. Have you tried vacuuming the gravel? How often do you do water changes? I do a 50% water change once per week.
Well my husband did a 50% change about a week ago I think, and when he took in the water sample this past Sunday the water was fine with no spikes. I think he rinsed the bio-filter probably around the end of November. He always vaccumes the gravel and we have been making sure the light is not on for a long time.
Other than the algae bloom, has this cloud or jaze had any color? New tanks often have a bacteria bloom or three when they start out as the biofilter tries to establish itself. Considering you added fish (increasing the bioload) as well as reduced your current bio-filter by rinsing it, this may be just normal "growing pains" as everything evens itself out.
I'd also suggest getting a new home for the fish Mayree mentioned. They get too large for a 30 gallon in some cases. For some great information on housing requirements and expected size of some of your animals, check out the handy Species Profile linked at the top or click right here!
I'd also suggest getting a new home for the fish Mayree mentioned. They get too large for a 30 gallon in some cases. For some great information on housing requirements and expected size of some of your animals, check out the handy Species Profile linked at the top or click right here!
Dangerdoll
Global Moderator
what you need to do is continue with the water changes. Since you/your husband did a 50% water change a week ago, you're ready for another one. If I were you, I would do a 30% water change every 4 or 5 days until at least things become stable, as far as the clarity, then go at weekly changes if that suits you best and your tank prospers with it. Don't use the clear all anymore because it's not really a viable solution long term and is adding unecessary chems into your tank. Water changes will clear it without it, you just need to be patient. Like the others, the pleco and sharks need to go. That size tank isn't ideal for either of them and 2 rainbows in a tank is a recipe for disaster. It might not look like it now, but as they mature, there will be trouble. A 20 is a bare minimum for the angels though as they grow, their fins will look a bit cramped as well, with them, the choice is up to you as to whether or not you can handle it.