Severe Algae / Cloudy water problem

[NickT.]

Hey guys.

Quick specs:
20 Gal freshwater Aquarium
Hydor Prime 10 Canister Filter upto 80 - 150 Litters 20-35 Gallons
Plant Light (Dont remmember the specs on that one, but can find out if needed)
Stone aeration, Thermometer, Heater etc.

I have had this aquarium running now for about a year or so. Had it cycled, planted a few nice plants to give it some character and put a stone in. I have 1 gold fish in there, 10 neons, 4 black neons, 3 swordtails and 3 white bottom feeders(the name escapes my mind atm).

All was well, but then about 6 months ago, I started getting white cloudy water. I solved that issue pretty fast with water clearing drops(they clump micro debris together for the filter to clear it out). It then reoccured every couple of weeks. I do regular water changes. I syphon the gravel with a python tube ( about 30% changes). I condition the water and de-clorinate it before putting it into the aquarium.

Now about a Month ago, my aquarium water became green. Withing 3-4 days the water changed from crystal clear to dark green. I couldn't see past 2 inches into the water. I have done water changes, turned the light off, nothing helps. I have it sitting now with a towel over it the past few days, and it doesnt seem to be helping. I Took out all the plants out, stones etc. its completely bare now.

I have a Test kit. All is normal. I even went to the store and they checked my water as well, giving me an O.K.

( The fish are alive, so far)

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated. I would liek to refrain form a major overhaul of my system if possible. That would be my last resort.:help:

Thank you in Advance,
Nick.

 

[THE V]

NickT. The cloudy water and green water is a symptom of too many fish in the tank. A 20 gallon tank can hold 1 fancy goldfish and nothing else or all of the rest of your fish and no goldfish.

What has happened in your tank is that as the goldfish has grown it has produced more waste than all of the rest of your fish combined. The cloudy water (bacterial bloom) and algae are feeding off of these high levels of waste in the water. The water quality is still okay because the bacteria and algae are using a lot of the nitrate.

In order to remedy this situation you will need to either get another larger tank for the goldfish or rehome either the goldfish or all of the rest of the fish in the tank. In the meantime daily 50% water changes will be needed to keep the water clearer.

 

[NickT.]

Thank you "The V". Thats the general concensus I was getting before as well. I'll have to probably find another tank from someone @ kijiji or something.

 

[shawnhu]

NickT, welcome to AC!

Out of curiosity, do you play, or are involved in Paintball?

The Green water and Cloud that you are experiencing may be a sign of overstocking, or something that has changed in your water of the food. The white cloud is generally a bacteria bloom, and the green water is an algae bloom. The green water is a bit annoying, but does not do harm to the fish. It will be the death of your plants however, as light cannot travel past the green water.

It's clear to me that something has changed to cause this imbalance. Either an addition of fish, rapid growth, increased feeding, change of food stock, or change in water chemistry. Are you using a dechlorinator when changing water? Has your water supply increased chlorine or added chloramines? How about Ammonia levels from the tap?

Let us know what you find out, I'd be curious to know.

Shawn

 

[Kashta]

Nick... TheV is absolutely right about the goldfish. Your tank is massively overstocked (bioload) and terribly overcrowded (confined space) for all those fish. Left uncorrected, your algae bloom will be the least of your worries. Also, that goldfish is not compatible at all with any of the other tropical fish you have mixed together. Please set up two (size appropriate) tanks - one for temperate/coldwater (your goldfish) and another for tropicals (everything else). If this isn't possible, then understand that you really should rehome the fish you're not able to care for properly.

That said, please don't let any of this get you down. We all totally understand how confusing everything is for folks who are just getting started. It may seem frustrating trying to figure it all out at the start. But we've all been through it ourselves and we know what you're going through. So just hang in there with us. And remember that you ARE new to this so you're not supposed to know all about this right from the beginning. We're here to help you step by step, and it really will get easier as you continue along.

For more information about what to do with that goldfish of yours, just start a new thread about that in our General Cold/Temperate Water forum. Our more experienced goldfish keepers will see your thread there and will be able to help you with everything you need to know about general care, tanks, equipment, stocking, foods, and anything else you need to know.

For more advice about what to do for your tropical fish.. just continue with those topics right here.

Best of luck to you!

 

[jm1212]

lots of water changes will help greatly, but you still need to correct your stock.

the neons and swordtails will probably be enough for the tank. not knowing what the "white bottom feeders" are, its hard to say if they are corydoras or some other type of catfish. if they are corydoras, then you can probably keep them. if not, chances are they will have to go back. as for the black neons, it would be best to take them back as well. your tank really isnt big enough for two schools of tetras, and four isnt large enough for a proper school.

 

[NickT.]

thanks for the help guys.

I gave away my goldfish already to a friend of mine. Looking for someone to give away the black neons to. I just cant bring myself to killing them... Already on day 7 of 20-30% water changes and things are looking up. Not at crystal clear yet, but its much better. Got rid of the green water and the cloudiness is almost gone.

Nick.