I have 55 gallon fresh water fish tank, with cichlids, that is green, cloudy and smelly. How can I fix this?

Answer 1

Do the 50% water change today. Then get on a weekly schedule of changing 25-30% of the water. Don't break down the tank and clean everything and change all the water. That'll pretty much kill any/all of your beneficial bacteria, and your tank will start to cycle again.
If you have a light on the tank, don't leave it on longer than 8 hours. Hopefully it's not set up near any windows with sunlight hitting it. I'd recommend leaving the lights off for a few days and see if that clears the green. If the green doesn't clear up within a few weeks, can do a blackout-cover the tank for 3 days-no light at all. Should kill the algae. Don't recommend using algaecides, I've found they really don't work, and it zaps the oxygen out of the water.
Also, not sure what kind of fish and filtration you got, if you have 1 filter, I'd recommend adding another-recommend a cannister filter. All my 55+ tanks I run a Penguin bio wheel(appropriate for the tank size) and a cannister filter. With a 55 gallon, you want a filter that will put out at least 550 gph. The more the better. Bet that'll help a lot too. Most important is the weekly water changes though. It'll tank some time, but stick to that info, and it'll clear up.

Answer 2

It sounds like you need to change the water. Do several partial water changes. Start with a 50% change today then do 25% changes each day for the next 3. After that, change 25% once a week. The green is probably algae. Either add an algicide or get a bottom feeding fish like an algae eater that will clean the tank. Try the Tetra web site for more help.

Answer 3

You are overfeeding your fish. Change 20% of the water, turn the lights off in your tank and cover it so that there is no light getting in. Don't feed your fish for three days (they won't starve), take the cover off in three days, change 20% of the water and start feeding again (only half of what you have been. The floating algae will die, and the water changes and less feeding will clear up the smell and cloudiness.
A

Answer 4

you definately need to clean it out. Like said before do 1/2 water changes every few days and you may want to make sure you have a big enough filter. Cichlids are very messy and require a better filter system then most.

Answer 5

Hm... nicely, goldfish tend to be very messy fish and could grimy up your tank in an on the spot. that would desire to be why your tank is getting cloudy first. with regard to the eco-friendly water it does sound like algae, even nonetheless it is not on the ingredient of the tank. Acrylic tanks advance algae extra because of the fact they scratch extra handy (making a fabulous homestead for the algae to advance). I have been given a pitcher tank and don't have close to as lots hardship. you will desire to attempt an algae killing liquid yet ensure you haven't got any invertebraes, i've got self assurance it could harm them. the main mandatory element is... shop your tank out of direct photograph voltaic! which will reason extreme algae growth. desire this helps!

Answer 6

tikitiki is right on with her answer, the only thing I can add is to put fresh carbon in your filter, that will help with the smell.

Cloudy green is an algae bloom caused by a combination of too much light and too much food. Maybe too many fish also.

Answer 7

I think the best recourse in this situation is a complete teardown & cleaning of the tank, gravel, and decorations. Use baking soda and salt as your cleaning agent. Refill and medicate your tank prior to replacing fish. I use 2 external power filters on my 30s & 55s. For algae, get a plecostomus, cut down on light. Cloudy water may be caused by overfeeding. Hope this helps.

Answer 8

You nedd to change the water, you can do 1/2 at a time a few days apart.
treat with an algicide
leave the light off preferrably all the time.

Answer 9

Did ya ever think about cleaning it?

Answer 10

Shooting fish in a barrel again, are we?