[bagelmom6]

Hi everyone. We just got our first aquarium and two African Cichlids. We got the tank set up Friday and brought our fish home yesterday. The heater is working fine and the filter looks like it's working fine but this morning we noticed the water is already a little cloudy. Is this normal or does it mean the filter isn't working properly? The fish seem to be adusting well and don't seem to be in any sort of distress. They told us at the pet store that we need to change the filter once a month and change the water (not all of it) once a month but not both on the same day. Besides feeding them daily and cleaning the tank, is there anything else we need to be doing on a daily basis? The tank we got is the TopFin starter kit if that makes a difference. We know we'll have to upgrade to a bigger tank soon when they start growing, so don't worry. We're on top of that. Thanks in advance for any advice anyone can offer.

 

[AndrewM21]

Hi everyone. We just got our first aquarium and two African Cichlids. We got the tank set up Friday and brought our fish home yesterday. The heater is working fine and the filter looks like it's working fine but this morning we noticed the water is already a little cloudy. Is this normal or does it mean the filter isn't working properly? The fish seem to be adusting well and don't seem to be in any sort of distress. They told us at the pet store that we need to change the filter once a month and change the water (not all of it) once a month but not both on the same day. Besides feeding them daily and cleaning the tank, is there anything else we need to be doing on a daily basis? The tank we got is the TopFin starter kit if that makes a difference. We know we'll have to upgrade to a bigger tank soon when they start growing, so don't worry. We're on top of that. Thanks in advance for any advice anyone can offer.

What size is the aquarium?
What Filter do you have?
What species of cichlids do you have in the aquarium?
How Often do you feed them and what do you feed them?
What are your water reading? (pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate)

It would be helpful if you provided the above information so we can provide you with a better explanation.

 

[OSagent23]

Hello bagelmom,

Here are many questions the come up when reading your post.

1st do you know what the nitrogen cycle is in relation to an aquarium?
2nd what size aquarium do you have?
3rd What kind of filter does the aquarium have?
4th do you have any live plants in the aquarium?

The cloudiness of the aquarium is normal and will go away by itself soon. Have patience. You don't need to do anything or add any kind of chemical to clear the aquarium.

 

[MoneyMitch]

Here is a great article I strongly recommend you to read

http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/...inners-guide-freshwater-aquarium-cycle-38617/

 

[djembekah]

also: don't change the filter cartridge!!!! it's really important- it'll house a TON of beneficial bacteria you'll need to keep your tank cycled! (definitely read Mitch's link!)

 

[MoneyMitch]

also: don't change the filter cartridge!!!! it's really important- it'll house a TON of beneficial bacteria you'll need to keep your tank cycled! (definitely read Mitch's link!)

I agree with the not replacing the filter. yes most the BB live on surfaces in the aquarium but that's a established aquarium. usually I only replace mine when they get all raggedy looking and start to fall apart. but I do rinse them very thoroughly about twice a month.