The water is very thick when I change it. I also change the filter pad and clean the rocks/decor items in it. I have had the tank for 2 weeks and I have had to change the water every 3 days because it looks so bad and I don't want the fish to die. Every 3 days I can hardly see the fish it looks so bad. What should I do?
2007-02-28 02:21:28 · 5 answers · asked by saylerp67 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
Every time you change the filter pad you are regressing your cycle and only making matters worse.
Cloudiness in a newly set up aquarium is perfectly normal, and the biggest mistake beginners make is to try and fix it. Don't touch the filer for 6 weeks - let it mature. When it comes time to change it, make sure you only replace the mechanical media, not the biological media. If you can't change them separately then it's a worthless filter.
As far as orange there is something leeching into the water. If you are using driftwood in the tank then this is certainly what is causing it - these are called tanins and are completely harmless, and they will gradually diminish as time goes on.
So, keep doing your regular water changes - every week is best, every couple of weeks is ok. Make sure you no about cycling the tank and make sure you test for ammonia and nitrites (tests can be purchased, or you can take your water into the fish store to be tested) and do water changes as often as necessary to keep them low.
And don't waste your money on water clarifiers - these don't fix the problem, they only mask it. While the fish store will be happy that you keep returning to buy their products, the smarter thing to do is actually fix the problem at its root.
And last, don't overfeed the fish - make sure they eat everything going into the tank and remember that they really don't need too much food.
2007-02-28 04:37:09 · answer #1 · answered by Ghapy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have clay decor in your tank (flower pots for example) then the clay is disintergrating into the water. Remove the clay, clean the water, good to go.
Did you rinse the gravel before putting it in the tank? If you didn't, you'll have to drain the whole thing, rinse the rock in buckets, replace and refill.
Orange water is a decor thing. Something is leaking into the water. Food won't cause that sort of cloudiness that fast.
A fresh set-up with only a few fish will cycle cleanly and the water will stay clear if it went in clear.
2007-02-28 10:52:54 · answer #2 · answered by mandelyn_82 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
the tank hasn't cycled yet. Your cleaning it actually slows down the process. My guess is overfeeding as well.
Read a good basic care guide. This one is free, but is also an ad for Hagen, but the information is still good.
http://www.hagen.com/usa/aquatic/basic/index.cfm
2007-02-28 10:28:59 · answer #3 · answered by something_fishy 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What type of fish do you have? How large are they? You shouldn't have to clean a tank but once every six weeks and even then you want to do no more than fifty percent. Only do a full water change every six months.
2007-02-28 10:30:47 · answer #4 · answered by jane d 4 · 0⤊ 6⤋
Try a food change.
2007-02-28 10:24:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋