Why is my water cloudy?

Tracy

Here's an idea: instead of using warm or hot 'tap' water when preparing your new water for the tank, use only cold water, then add boiling water to the cold water in the bucket, until you get the right temperature. I think that is better than adding water that has been heated by a hot water tank. :) Another thing I did which made my water crystal clear, is using extra sponge material in your filter media.

jsm11482

I have been using warm water ~80f or so, certainly not hot! I did a ~40% water change last night and used colder water than usual (so that the water came out clear instead of full of bubbles, etc) and the water look sbetter today. I will change more again tomorrow. Thanks for the input!

jsm11482

so.... my water is cloudy again! I gravel vac's last night in hopes of clearing it up and now it is even worse today.....really don't know what is goin on here.....my only guess is my filter's aren't doing their job? I have:

1 Eheim 2213 rated for ~60 gallons
1 Fluval 204 rated for ~40 gallons

So I have ~100 gallons of filtration for a 90 gallon tank. I am thinking I should get a third filter now!

girlofgod

my guess is a bacterial bloom...that usually makes the water cloudy..

jsm11482

Close, I think it's an algae bloom since it is greenish and when I change the water, I can see in the sink that it is a pale green color. Looks like I will be getting an UV Sterilizer? Any recommendations (price/performance)?

JouteiMike

Not too familiar with UV Steralizers, haven't used one, but maybe it could have something to do with your lights? How long do you keep them on? Maybe significantly lessen the amount you have them on for, or keep them off for a while.

Lupin

I am positive that it may have something to do with the following factors:
1. Overfeeding
2. Bacterial bloom
3. Carbon leaching out muck after being stuck in the filter longer than when it was supposed to be removed.
4. New gravel

UV Sterilizers and lighting have nothing to do with the cloudiness.

As for algal bloom, how many wattages does your light have? What about nitrates and phosphates? High level of phosphates and nitrates along with too much lighting can caused algal bloom. Exposure to sunlight is also another factor.

JouteiMike

Yeah but he stated it was a greenish cloudiness, which points to an Algea Bloom. Reducing light, and reducing feedings will rid the tank of the green water. Be sure to increase oxygen levels by aerating the tank, as the algae will consume the oxygen and it can get to extrememly low, deadly levels at the night time.

You could also try covering the tank completely so no light what so ever penetrates the tank.

Lupin

I did skip accidentally to your post without looking at Josh's new post. The UV sterilizer is supposed to be of help eliminating the floating green algae. Other than that, try what Mike has suggested.:)

girlofgod

but he may not need to go to the trouble of FINDING a small UV sterilizer for his tank if he just eliminates light to his tank for about 3 or 4 days, and minimizes the feedings as well...this is supposed to work, but i'm not sure about a planted tank...your plants might suffer w/o the light.

bri