[hopeful716]

I have had tanks before, but it has been awhile. I have a 35 gallon tank. I had it set up, and we moved. In the previous set up I never did seem to get the balance right. I set it up 4 days ago. I used the same rocks and I have a penguin bio wheel and used the same wheel. The initial PH was high, but seems to be coming down now. On day 3 it suddenly got cloudy. Today I added some stuff to clear the water. I have no fish in it yet. Why is the water cloudy? Is there anything else to do? How long to wait for starter fish? The PH was ~7.4. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

M

 

[crazie.eddie]

The cloudy water is probably due to bacterial bloom, which is a natural occurrance in newly setup tanks or with tanks that have been too cleaned (gravel syphon with filter maintenance/cleaning). This will clear itself in a few days.

What was the pH from tap and what is the pH in the tank? Most water systems contain CO2 (carbon dioxide). As the water sits, the CO2 escapes, lowering the pH. If the fluctuation is too drastic, it should not be a problem.

 

[bettababy]

I think eddie meant to say "ISN'T too drastic it shouldn't be a problem."
I would suggest waiting until the water clears before adding the first fish, and careful not to add too many at a time. Just a few smaller fish for the first few weeks, watch your water quality as you cycle, and you should be good.