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Newb Question on Water Clarity Issue

1K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  Gaut 
#1 ·
I haven't gotten the water tested, I will add that as soon as I get it. I know that the first few days(2 weeks ago) that we put the fish in the water turned a mildy cloudy white and then cleared up. Well I added water conditioner last night because the PH was a little high and now its milky white to the point that I can't see to the back of a 36 gallon bowfront tank. Should I just wait for it to clear up again? I also added a bacteria supplement to help with the ammonia which I'm sure could be the cause too.
 
#2 ·
A good chance that it's bacterial bloom. It happens with most new tanks. Just continue your regular water change and it should clear up. The more chemicals you add could cause more of a headache right now. If it doesn't clear up after a week or so, then use chemicals. I try to stay away from chemicals unless it's the last resort.
 
#3 ·
What is your pH? There's really no point in changing your pH unless you have fish that are very sensitive to water conditions (like discus). Most tank-raised aquarium fish are totally cool with just about every pH, and it's better to keep it at the natural level of your water than to mess with it chemically, which will cause more, larger swings.
 
#4 ·
What are your parameters testing out at, and what test method are you using? We love to have everyone get liquid reagent kits on here cuz they work so much better than strips.

I'm with FF40, avoid the chemicals at all costs(except water conditioner when you are doing a water change). They can really seriously screw things up.
 
#5 ·
okiemavis said:
What is your pH? There's really no point in changing your pH unless you have fish that are very sensitive to water conditions (like discus). Most tank-raised aquarium fish are totally cool with just about every pH, and it's better to keep it at the natural level of your water than to mess with it chemically, which will cause more, larger swings.
Petsmart did the liquid test yesterday and the pH was 8.XX. Went back today and bought the test kit and had them check the water. It came down overnight and was back into the 7s today. We bought the test kit today so I'll be watching it closly for awhile.

Also, what's the best timetable for water changes on a new tank? I've read all kinds of different advice on 25% weekly, 15% or only do it monthly.
 
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