Plant Substrate

ILOB

Goodday,
I started a 40 gal planted tank three weeks ago. One week into things, I added a bag of substrate and positioned a number of plants. The water became immediately cloudy and while this soon cleared with continued filtration, I am left with a very amber colored tank. The plants seem fine and some are sending out roots, but what is the fix for the amber color which I suspect is iron? Any thoughts? Do I just wait for enough water changes to remove the color...?

aunt kymmie

Welcome to TFK! We are glad you found us.
What kind of substrate did you use and did you rinse/wash it prior to adding it to the tank?
The only time I have been left with amber colored water was when I added new driftwood to my tank. After a few water changes the amber color cleared.

ILOB

I suspect I should have done a proper rinse. I did also add wood so I suspect I will await the water changes. I have a couple of guppies as starters. Once the tank cycles, how often do you advocate water changes and what fraction can be changed at one time.
Thanks in advance,
ILOB

DanMarion

I change 30% of my water once a week in my aquariums. The amber colored water is more likely from the wood than from the substrate, i would think. Water changes should slowly dilute the color out of your water.

aunt kymmie

+1, other than I change out 50% weekly.

1077

+one.

Byron

I agree with wood the probable cause, and it will dissappear (time depends upon type of wood); good news is that it is not harmful to fish, quite the opposite in fact. Though you didn't mention the name of the "substrate," if it contains laterite (iron) the water may be reddish for a long time.

Water changes depend upon your tank volume and stocking, and with live plants less needs changing if the biology is balanced.

And welcome to Tropical Fish Keeping forum.

Byron.