my tank is cloudy and gross. the fish are thriving and happy, but i can't stand it. i've changed the water, washed the gravel, changed the filters, added 'clearing' chemicals. i'm ready to flush the whole thing. any advice?
it's a 30 gallon tank. i'm careful not to overfeed, and suction-clean the gravel once a week and take it out and wash it all thoroughly once a month. i only have one plecostemos, but algae (greenness) isn't the problem, it's murky water. i THINK the pump/filter is adequate (a whisper secondnature) but i guess that could be it.
khairete
S.
you guys are the BEST!! i'll leave the dang thing alone and hope the murk doesn't choke the stupid fish, and i'll repost in a few weeks and let you know how it goes.
oh, and i never change all the water, just a third at a time. no goldfish (love 'em but too dirty), just a betta, some swords and neons, and three bala sharks. and my lonely albino bristlenose pleco.
:) khairete
S.
I second bacteria bloom. Funny enough it actually gets worse the more you "clean" the tank, especially rinsing the gravel is a huge no-no.
The bacteria are necessary, they break down the ammonia in the water so that the fish can live.
I would try not cleaning it at all, no changes to the water for 4 weeks. It should clear by itself in that time.
You can also try taking a sample to the pet store and have them test it for you.
Good luck!
it sounds a little bit like you're having a bacteria bloom. how new is your aquarium? new set ups usually get these, it should clear up in a few weeks. you could put in something like stresszyme or other bacteria booster. most pet stores will do a free water analysis for you. use a clean container and take some water in. i also like the site allexperts.com good luck! just saw your update...stop cleaning the gravel. you're destroying the good bacteria and starting the bloom all over again.
Is your filter the right size for the tank? You could also get fish that eat algae..or go to the pet store and ask them.
Do NOT change all the water. The fish need bacteria to survive. It sounds like you have it in a well-lit area or have the light on too long.
ETA: What other fish do you have in it besides the pleco? Goldfish are horrible about making cloudy water.
You're cleaning it too much. Leave it alone for awhile and let the good bacteria take hold.
Talk to someone at the pet store, the Aquarium specialist, and see what can help.
Or maybe, could it be the fish food that is clouding the water?
Also, when you changed the filters, if it is a charcoal filter... did you thoroughly rinse the gravel several times, until the water runs clear, before putting it back in the tank?
I am having the same problem suddenly only we have a water turtle. I clean and maintain the tank well but same thing keeps happening. I will try NOT cleaning the gravel. 1. it will save time and if you say it is good not to well enough of an excuse for me.
Any other help?
You have excellent advice already. If your filter doesn't have a biological mat where good bacteria can grow, you might want to add one, or get a filter that has one. You might aldo try live plants if you don't already have some. The can help balance the water and keep it cleaner. Good luck!
