nitrogen cycle
http://www.fishaholics.org/articles.php?ArtId=12 this should explain the cloudiness in your tank
http://www.fishaholics.org/articles.php?ArtId=12 this should explain the cloudiness in your tank
My flippin TANK WILL NOT CLEAR!!!
- Thread starter theblueprint
- Start date
Dangerdoll
Global Moderator
with all the bacteria (as rbel suggests) cleaned off all surfaces in the tank, the bacteria that has bloomed now (the cloudiness in the tank) is simply trying to re-establish itself on the surfaces under the water. Once the bacteria is established to take care of where ever they settle, your tank will clear on it's own. The continuing of replacing filter pads/cartridges, cleaning things off, is only further disturbing the colonies that need to establish themselves. Leave the tank alone and let things settle on their own. It might not take 2 days or 2 weeks..... the most important thing is to have patience.
The Cycle Began The Week Before Thanksgiving....i Think A Month Is Showing A Bit Of Patience....
Dangerdoll
Global Moderator
the cycle began then..... is it stabilized? A cycle can go more than 6 weeks.... give or take. Mine went 6 on the nose. It's taking the bacteria time to settle..... I still say give it time and leave things alone as far as trying to clear that. How did you cycle the tank if it's been completed?
She's not being mean 
I know a month seems like a long time, but you are creating a false ecosystem and growing millions of tiny little bacteria. Give it another month. Do water changes every week--20%-30% and see how it goes. Try not to look at it a lot every day (i'm guilty of that when waiting for something to happen or grow). It might be getting so slightly better that you can't notice. Check it once a day around the same time. If it helps take a picture and compare the pictures. Put the lens flat against the glass and shoot across the tank long ways. If it's not getting worse then that's good.
If it's really bugging you, look into the Vortex Diatom filter.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7731805960&fromMakeTrack=true
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vortex-Diatom-D-1-Aquarium-Tank-Filter-Innerspace-NEW_W0QQitemZ7731028813QQcategoryZ3212QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Algone supposedly clears up water too although I don't like using stuff like that. I have heard it works though.
You could use RO/DI water to fill up after water changes.
I know a month seems like a long time, but you are creating a false ecosystem and growing millions of tiny little bacteria. Give it another month. Do water changes every week--20%-30% and see how it goes. Try not to look at it a lot every day (i'm guilty of that when waiting for something to happen or grow). It might be getting so slightly better that you can't notice. Check it once a day around the same time. If it helps take a picture and compare the pictures. Put the lens flat against the glass and shoot across the tank long ways. If it's not getting worse then that's good.If it's really bugging you, look into the Vortex Diatom filter.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7731805960&fromMakeTrack=true
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vortex-Diatom-D-1-Aquarium-Tank-Filter-Innerspace-NEW_W0QQitemZ7731028813QQcategoryZ3212QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Algone supposedly clears up water too although I don't like using stuff like that. I have heard it works though.
You could use RO/DI water to fill up after water changes.
Find out if the water is green or not. if it is green then do a 3 day blackout. if it isn't green, then look for another cause. You will not know if it's green until you put some water in a glass and hold it against a piece of white paper. If it is green it will not go away with water changes or normal filtration. Blackouts or specialty filters will be needed. Blackout are of course cheaper up front, and require less maintenance.
Dave
Dave
What kind of filters are you using?
The Aquaclear 110 is a filte rthat is rated for 60-110, not 110 staright up. 110 would be for a tank that is very under populated with a small bio-load. Since you have a tank of all africans, and most african tanks are over crowded to begin with, you may need more filters. 1 just may not be enough, i know for my 55g, i have to have 2 filters on it, 1 canister rated for 60g and a HOB filter rated for 55g also.
Maybe try using micon filter pads in the AC, from your local lfs, i think normal ones are 10 micron and they also have 5 and 2 i think, start with the 10, and work your way down to 5 or so. that should filter out all the stuff that may be causing the cloudiness if its not your bacteria and cycle.
The Aquaclear 110 is a filte rthat is rated for 60-110, not 110 staright up. 110 would be for a tank that is very under populated with a small bio-load. Since you have a tank of all africans, and most african tanks are over crowded to begin with, you may need more filters. 1 just may not be enough, i know for my 55g, i have to have 2 filters on it, 1 canister rated for 60g and a HOB filter rated for 55g also.
Maybe try using micon filter pads in the AC, from your local lfs, i think normal ones are 10 micron and they also have 5 and 2 i think, start with the 10, and work your way down to 5 or so. that should filter out all the stuff that may be causing the cloudiness if its not your bacteria and cycle.
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Goto the pet store and get you abottle of CYCLE. Add 1 cap full for every 10 gallons of water in your tank. And then leave it alone . And in 2 days it will Clear up with out fail. Turn the lith off at nigth. and dont over feed your fish. Good luck.
