Dirty tank ?

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cb93lx

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Mar 6, 2003
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Ive had a 55 gal. tank with a 3" red devil, 4" texas ciclid,3" convict, 2" Jack Dempsey, and a 7" algae eater for about a year. For the past month, I cant seem to get the tank clean. 50 -75 % water changes and I bought a new filter. ( Aquaclear 300) The sides of the tank have like a white residue on them and the water looks as if theres tiny white dust particles floating around. All the fish seem OK but what is causing this. I miss our clean tank. Please help with any suggestions.

Also, my algae eater seems to rather eat the flake food than the algae. Is this normal? Thanks for any help
 
To be honest with you I am not sure.It is hard to tell .I would scrape off the particles on the glass,Check water condition,Look to see if something is breaking down inside(ornaments,rocks,ect.)I think that a 75% water change is a large water change.That should have cleared it up.Sometimes these thing clear up with time.How long have you had this problem?Maybe your in the mist of a new cycle?Is there any construction going on in you home?We would need more details.Maybe someone else can take a shot at this.It has been a long day for me.Good luck
 
I definantly agree with the call for more info. A tank that size with that much bioload is going to need frequent changes. I'd feed only once a day and do a 30-40% water change every week. The white uuuuusually is a bacterial buildup, but I may be wrong. This is fairly normal, but usually it takes awhile to happen, so I'd say it's probably your bio load. You may want to throw another AC on there. They're great filters, but there's only so much they can do.
 
Check this out....

I had the same problem. I have a 55gallon with 2 Pacu's, 2 Oscars, and 1 irredescant shark.

I was running a fluval 404 and an undergravel filter. I had 2 powerheads pulling water through the undergravel filter.

Anyway, no matter what I did the water would always have particles floating around. I would use a diatom and it would get it clean, then a few days later it would be back to normal.

A friend mentioned that I might have too little gravel adn the powerheads was just circulating dirt.

Turns out he was right, I disconnected the powerheads and the water is crystal clear. Is it possible that you have a lot of water movement stirring stuff up?

Anthony
 
Thanks for the replies. Let me attempt to answer your questions.........

Rockhead44 Ive had the tank for approx. 12 months, problem has been within the last month. like the past 5 weeks. Ive done nothing differently, same cleaning,feeding schedule. No construction going on in the home. I have pea gravel, a big clay pot, and 2 aquariam rocks bought at the local pet store. Also, Ive done 2 75% water changes and cleaned the glass in the past 5 weeks. Ive also changed it at 50% twice. It never gets clear like it used to. After I used to clean it, it would be clear in a matter of hours. Now, after I add the new water, it just gets dirtier and dirtier.

VooDooChild Ill give your suggestions a try. Guess Ill buy another filter today also.

AnthonyNYC The only things that are running in the tank are the Aquaclear 300 and 1 air stone on a small pump. They are both left on 24/7 with the exception of when feeding. I have turned them both off for a day and there was no change.

Well, thanks for the help and if ya have any more suggestions or questions, feel free.
 
Originally posted by cb93lx
...... theres tiny white dust particles floating around. All the fish seem OK but what is causing this. I miss our clean tank. Please help with any suggestions. ....... Thanks for any help
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Do you vacuum the gravel on each and every water change? Also, borrow, or buy a diatom filter ( I like the Vortex XL ). I know that will clean the stuff out, not sure if it will come back. I use the Vortex after each water change. HopeThisHelps - And Welcome to Aquaria Central! :)
 
Thanks for the welcome and the reply. I do vacuum the gravel with every water change. How much gravel do you guys keep in your tank? I have about 2" of pea gravel, is this too much? Also, Im not familiar with a diatom filter. I will do a search on the web to find out more about it. Thanks again
 
2 inches of gravel is ok..

Here's the Vortex Diatom filter in action : Vortex filter use

I'm not sure who did that web-site, but I thank them since many do not know that procedure of starting the Vortex. The company said that's the 'alternate' way to use it. It should read in the manual, it's the main and best way to use the Vortex...
 
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Thanks again. I just did a search and found that site a few minutes ago. Ive never heard of them. Seems like a good item to have even if I figure out my problem. Thanks again
 
Well cb93lx
I am sorry to say I am still stumped..I am not sure what to make of this.I am sure you have cleaned your hood and light bulbs(a thought).If the tank is self contained then it is something inside it.Please let us know when you figure this one out.Sorry I could not help.A Vortex Diatom filter should do the trick but if it comes back after that.It has to be something inside the tank like I said before(gravel,rocks,etc.).Maybe if you just leave it alone for a while it might fix it self,that is if the fish are fine.Thanks for that page 80gJoe.I wish I had seen that when I first bought one.Bad instructions come with them.Good luck again.
 
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