RonDutt

So it's been a few days since I set up the new tank. Everything is wonderful with it, with one exception--the water is cloudy! With the tank light on (fluorescent) the water looks white-cloudy with no hint of green. With the light off and the room lights on (yellow/"energy saver" white) the water looks green. I checked the levels, I checked bacteria, I even checked algae, everything looks fine. I've done two water changes so far (tanks been running for 5 or 6 days now) and it's still cloudy (less cloudy though). I've heard that I can put activated carbon in the filter medium to clear it up, but was wondering if there might be another cause? I feed 2 times a day (morning when I wake up--8am, and at night when I get home--6pm), the filter is a EX45 (in a 25 gal tank), I have a 18" air wall strip, all the decor is artificial, the gravel was clean when I got it (the old tank didn't have any cloudiness). I'm going to be setting up another tank tonight so just wanted some tips in case I make the same mistake (whatever that may be) in the new one.

Shawnie

HI rondutt! welcome to fishlore !!
the carbon wont help as your tank isnt cycled or if you used established media, you are in a mini cycle..which is why its cloudy..even using the ONLY known instant bacteria tetra safestart, it still takes 7-10 days and then a month or so after to be stable..how did you start the cycle of your tank and what test kit are you using?

RonDutt

I used a mix of a established media (filter + gravel) and another safe start (recomended by an old--20 year+--fish keeper). Usually (from what I recall the last time I kept fish), the tank cleared up within 2-3 days. Just a little worried it's still cloudy.

Shawnie

what are your readings for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates? and what is the brand of test kit you are using? whats "another safe start"?

alicem

If you don't believe it's a mini cycle, then it could very well be an algae bloom, especially with this description you gave:

Is the tank near a window where sunlight can shine into it, or is the room itself really bright?
You can pull the blinds during really bright daylight hours.

Also, you might restrict your tank's light "on" time for only a very few hours per day.
Are there fish in the tank? How many, how large?
Your cycle method may not have added enough beneficial bacteria for the fish load and you are experiencing a mini cycle.
Or, are you "feeding" the tank to keep it cycled?
Reduce feeding to once per day for a while. If you have fish, stop feeding and fast them for 2-4 days.

Some flake foods and frozen fish foods often have elevated phosphates.
Phosphates can add to the green water problem.

And, to be sure, ammonia (from a mini cycle or excess food) can fuel green water.

Partial water changes will definately help all involved.

Newly cycled tanks take several months to level out. I always have algae and some green water at first with new setups.
hth,
alicem

RonDutt

Just wanted to thank everyone for their suggestions Water is almost crystal clear! Still a hint of green/brown but that may be because of the driftwood (which I have to chuck during the next water change).

alicem

Wonderful! Now you can more fully enjoy your tank.
Charcoal (aka: activated carbon) can help with the tea stained water caused by driftwood.
It will clear eventually.
Personally, in certain situations, I kind of like the moody look new driftwood gives water, but then, a crystal clear tank definately has it's merits.

The next thing that usually appears in my new setups is algae on the rocks and decor.
I generally let it grow for a while, then scrub it off and suction it out with partial water changes.
It ususally settles down after a few weeks of water changes and it helps to have
a useful bristle nose Ancistrus in the tank (a BN would appreciate having the driftwood).

As long as your water parameters (ammonia, nitrItes and nitrAtes) are under control and the fish are healthy and not over crowded,
the other stuff is merely cosmetic.
Don't sweat the small stuff, life's too short.

Congrats on your new setup.
alicem

Shadowbeam

Just wanted to say thanks for the great advice, I was having this problem myself, even with a fairly established tank (6 months+), but I realise that it's because it is near a window and get too much sunlight.
When I set up my new tank in another room I shouldn't have this problem now, so thanks again!