Quest for clear water

Hi all, fairly new to fish keeping so hopefully can get some helpful advice here.
I've got a new 38g (145litre) aquarium back in June. I had a few issues with the live plants and water quality which I've now resolved.

2 weeks ago I did a major clean of the tank (80% water change + filter clean). It took about 3 day for the parameter to stabilise, I did use Seachem Stability which helped.
However the only issue I have is slightly cloudy water. If it's bacterial bloom I don't think it should last so long? It's almost 2 weeks.
I did water changes almost daily but doesn't seem to get crystal clear water. I use Fluval 307 filter with the default media which included carbon and water polishing pad.
My water parameters are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 20ppm nitrate. pH around 7.
Below is a picture of the tank viewed length wise. It doesn't look as bad because the lights are dimmed. If I look carefully I can see millions of "dust" particles floating around.
I'm not sure if it's still the bacterial bloom from mini cycle or it's safe for me to use water clarifier (API Accu Clear)?

 

You may not want to clean the filter and change that much water all in the same day. That may have caused it or it could be the stability also. I would just use your dechlor now that you are cycled. My motto is less is better.

 

Thanks. I really would want crystal clear water if possible
It's clear immediately after water change but after a while it gets cloudy again.
Contemplating using water clarifiers but really worried it will harm fish and shrimp/snail.

 

I don't believe the water clarifiers do too much to be honest. I would try some carbon or extra filter floss before that.

 

Personally I would hold off on using a chemical product. Despite the test readings your tank is still new and probably unbalanced by overcleaning, resulting in a cloudy bacterial bloom. Water clarifiers won't help, but it will go away with a little time.

 

You set your cycle back a step or two by over cleaning. It is going to take time to balance back out. The more you do the longer it is going to take to clear up. Patience is the name of the game. Poly-fill in your filter to help polish the water may help but if it is a bacterial bloom it is just going to take time.

 

I have a bottle of accuclear. It does do something in a bad way if you have any polishers (poly fill floss/matt). I dosed it one time in my largest system at the recommended dose after messing with some plant roots, the next morning it had completely plugged my first stage of layered sponge and poly fill batting and was bypassing my bio filter.

Flocculants like accuclear bond small particulate together, this is beneficial if you only have course filtration. It is only useful in that situation assuming that whatever is clouding your water can be broken down by the bacteria and microfauna in your tank, or that you throw away the first stage filter.

I personally would try a layer or two of small Polly fill batting fit into your system as a pre or post filter water polisher. I'm sure you can find some sort of guide on adding polisher material to your filter in the diy section here or maybe YouTube. It makes a great pre-filter that's disposable and extremely cost effective. I personally stay away from the accuclear, though maybe I'll find a use for it eventually.

 

I have Fluval 307 filter and I believe there is a version of floss filter in the media basket. It's called a polishing pad. There is also carbon filters included in the media basket.

The general consensus seems to be hold off on the water clarifier. I will do that and be patient

 

I think what we mean is add extra floss if there is room to. I have the pads in my 407 also. I plan to add extra floss when I get some more.

 

ive never had cloudy water issues. i do use more filtration that is required though

 

I think what we mean is add extra floss if there is room to. I have the pads in my 407 also. I plan to add extra floss when I get some more.

Thanks when you mention extra floss do you mean double up? The water polishing pad is in the 3rd basket I think, it’s the default one as I’ve got it.
I noticed after a while the pad get squashed so there’s probably space to put 2 layers instead of one.