Cloudy water

D

Dalen

AC Members
Jan 15, 2007
10
0
0
Brooklyn, NY
My tank is a 20-gal. with a 200 gph filter, inhabited by five 1" goldfish and a pair of frogs, no plants (we got advised against them by the LFS, who said that goldies would eat them anyway). It is about a month and a half old, almost three weeks after a full water change because of an algae infestation. The ammonia and nitrites read 0's, and nitrates are at 30 ppm (liquid tests used).

Right now, the water is getting cloudy, and I think the algae are coming back. Either that, or the tank needs cleaning (which I'm going to do tomorrow morning). Any advice?

Also, how often should I change the water / clean filters? My filter has three inserts - sponge, carbon, ceramic pellets - so I guess I should alternate between cleaning each of them so I don't disrupt the cycle.
 
you need a bigger tank. IMO a 90 gallon at least. The water will never be cloudy again with a large tank.
 
I would keep the lights on less and cut down on your feeding.

I would also suggest doing more water changes. Like 30% 3 times a week. With an overstocked tank you have to change the water more often.

Also with an overstocked tank it would be good to get another filter. I think too much filtaration is just enough when you overstock.

I am not sure if the carbon is even helping you, but also helps the tank from smelling. When the sponges clogs up, rinse it in used fish water.

I would not "clean" your tank too much.

Less light, less food, more filtaration, more water changes and TIME will clear up your water.
 
30-50% water changes, 3-4 times a week to handle the overstocking.

Keep feeding light, more filtration.

Gravel vac at least weekly, minimum.
 
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