Kaiseroll4

Because my water is cloudy, I'm following some advice to do 25% water changes daily until it clears up. Should I be putting water conditioner in my tank daily after each water change?

Isabella

I see you're new to the forum, so WELCOME Just a few questions first: How long have you had your tank? How large is it? Are there any fish in it? If so, how many and what kinds? Also, do you have tests for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate? If yes, what are your readings on these tests?

Cloudy water may have various origins, which is why I ask for tests results to make sure it is not a part of the cycling process. I assume you're aware of the nitrogen cycle. If not, please read: http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm, and then read the articles on this page: http://www.fishlore.com/Beginners.htm .

What water conditioner do you have in mind? The one that removes chlorine from the water? If so, you add the dechlorinator to the water BEFORE you add the water to your tank. The water going into your tank cannot have any chlorine in it (nor any chloramine).

P.S. Cloudiness in itself should not be dangerous if it is not caused by ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate. You don't have to perform a water change in order for the cloudiness to go away - it should clear up on its own. Water can be clouded after a water change - it is normal. As for water changes in general - they should be performed on a regular basis to keep your tank water clean and healthy for your fish. The size and frequency of water changes depends on your fishload. A lot of people perform 15-30% weekly water changes, but as I have said, it's different for every individual. So tell us about your tank first so that we can know better how to help you.

Kaiseroll4

I have had my 29 gallon tank for about a month and have a krib, an electric yellow, two bala sharks, 3 tiger barbs, and 2 julie cory cats. I have just started my interest in aquariums and so far can not get enough. From all of the reading I have done, I have not figured out the best way to do water changes. I will be gettin a testing kit next week sometime. I havent gotten one yet because I'm not sure what I will do with the results when i get them.

Thanks for the quick response

Isabella

How soon after you bought your tank did you get your fish? How many fish at once did you put in there? If you're not familiar with the nitrogen cycle, chances are that your tank is still cycling (or beginning to cycle since your fish are fine?). I'd really suggest for you to get that test kit. Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Master test kit is great, very accurate, and very cheap on Big Al's: http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...rmastertestkit . If your tank is beginning to cycle or in the process of cycling, you are or will be getting ammonia and nitrite in your tank - both very toxic compounds that can kill your fish. So please read about the nitrogen cycle.