Cloudy Water Problems

[Yinzer]

Cloudy Water Problems

Can anybody help me with my cloudy water? I'm on the verge of going from a new aquarium owner to a former aquarium owner.

My set-up:
- 49 gallon tank
- external Aquaclear 300 filter
- under gravel filter with power head (brand & size escape me)
- less than 1" gravel
- age: 8 months old
- weekly (well, mostly) water changes of 25%
- vacuum gravel w/ each water change
- aquarium salt added at a rate of 1Tbs. per 5 gallons new water w/ each water change
- water treatment: Novaqua at a rate of 1tsp. per 10 gallons new water, per instructions
- fish: 2 angels, 2 cories, 2 black tetras, 5 neon tetras, 1 tetra serpae, 2 red wag platys, 2 plecoes,
- fake plants
- aerated with an external air pump

The tank was fine for the first five months or so then developed a severe algae bloom this summer. Yes, we did everything in the book to encourage the bloom: leaving tank light on every waking moment, over-feeding, over-stocked, 50 lbs. of gravel at depths of at least 2 inches. Those are past sins and we've reformed. Fish now fed sparingly. Removed more than half the gravel. Tank not anywhere near direct sunlight. Have put glass-darkening film over the end of the tank exposed to a table lamp. Over head light hardly on because frankly, who wants to look at it.

On two separate occasions, I've draped a blanket over the tank for a period of up to a week in order to block light to kill the algae. I then followed up with 25% water changes ever other day for a total of 4 changes within a week. The water looks markedly better, but never crystal clear. And within weeks a green cloud appears.

I have tried adding polyster media (about 2") in addition to the Aquaclear filter media. I've even doubled up on the charcoal filter bags. I've never had a pH or Ammonia problem, however, my ammonia test kit doesn't seem to be very sophisticated. I use the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals ammonia test that indicates it tests for NH3 & NH4. I use the Wardley pH test kit. Was not able to ascertain an expiration date for either. Local chain pet store has also tested water and said it's okay (however they simply dipped a couple of test strips in a sample of water, so I know it's not the most conclusive test).

It's really getting discouraging and I'd appreciate any help. The first few months were great. We had a lot of active fish, the water was clear and it was mesmerizing to watch. I am embarrassed to admit how many innocent fish have gone to an early watery grave at our hands. And I know this is a separate issue, but I just don't know if it's a water issue or a bullying fish.

Thanks for any help.

 

[TheBlackPhantom]

First of all, I'd like to have your current PH, Nitrite, Ammonia and if possible Nitrate levels.

Secondly, keep your filter simple, 1 sponge, 1 ammonia and 1 new carbon will suffice.

Have you recently tried to vacuum your gravel?

Also, there is a strong chance that this is bacterial bloom, and thus your bactaria is too small to be picked up by your filter. Try "ProClear", read instructions CAREFULLY.

 

[OrionGirl]

Green cloudy? I'm guessing so, since you also have algae issues. What are your test results for nitrates? Check with your water utility for the amount of nitrate/nitrogen, phosphates, and iron in the water source, as well. It could be that the water is contributing the problem, and that each water change renews the food source for the algae. Doesn't mean you don't want to do water changes, just that some changes are in order. Blackouts are not very effective IME simply because they don't remove the source of the problem--the nutrients that fed the initial algae bloom are still around.

What kind of plecos? Most likely, they were added to help with algae, but many kinds don't eat algae, but still produce copious waste so actually contribute to algae problems. I'd look into some bristlenose--they will eat algae, and don't get as big as the commons.

You might want to consider adding some real plants. There are several options that won't require upgrading the lights, substrate or adding CO2--anubias, many crypts and jave ferns will do fine under NO lights. The real plants will compete with the algae for food. Floating plants, like duckweed, can also help out tremendously. Just a thought--we'll need to see what else is going on to know if plants will be an easy fix or not.

 

[Yinzer]

BlackPhantom: don't know specific chemical levels off-hand. Could you recommend a test kit for nitrate/nitrites/ammonia? Yes, I vacuum gravel with ever water change and when the gravel was much deeper the water looked *really* gross. Now, only slightly so.

Orion Girl: Yes, green cloudy. Thanks for the advice on the plants. Maybe I'll give them a try, but frankly the thought of killing another living thing is not appealing, however I like the sound of the floating duckweed.

Thanks for your quick replies. Will try to get the water levels posted.

 

[OrionGirl]

Oh, and I would stop adding the salt. There is absolutely no need for salt in the water for any of the fish you have. While it's probably not causing a significant problem, it certainly isn't helping any of them. And--depending on what else is in there, it could be contributing to the problem. Freshwater fish do not need salt! If you quit adding it to the water used for changes, it will gradually cycle out of the tank, and the softwater fish like the angels will aprreciate the lower TDS.