My son recently started a new aquarium, we have trouble keeping the water from getting cloudy, why?

Answer 1

What you are seeing is a natural bacteria bloom in the water. It's not really a bad thing because you want those bacteria, you just want them in the filter and on the gravel. Changing water will help. Change about 25-50% of the tank every other day to help control the cloudiness and the ammonia that is causing it until the bacteria can get established in the gravel and filter. It may take a week or two, but it will happen and the cloudiness will go away. Over feeding can contribute significantly to this problem, so be sure to feed the fish once a day with only as much as they will eat in 3-4 minutes.

MM

Answer 2

As mentioned a number of times, your problem is most likely bacterial bloom and this is perfectly normal in a new setup.

The best thing to do - nothing. By leaving the aquarium alone you will let it mature and the cloudiness will go away on it's own.

-Do water changes normally (every week is ideal, every two if you must).

-Make sure you understand what the 'cycle' is about. A simple search in google will give you plenty of information if you don't. Keep an eye on ammonia and nitrite levels - do as many water changes as it takes to keep them low (below .5 for ammonia, below 1 for nitrites).

Don't clean out the filter at all for 6 weeks - letting the filter mature properly will make the most difference of all. When you do clean it, make sure you don't clean out the bio-media.

Don't overfeed. Make sure the fish eat all of the food and remember as cold blooded creatures a little bit goes a long way, so just feed them enough for them to eat in a minute or two, once or twice per day.

Don't use chemicals to clear the water - this is just masking the problem, not solving it.

Answer 3

Not sure what kind of filter you have> The clear or water clarifier drops do work well. I only do water changes every 2 weeks but have a very good fittration system. Stay away from some of the large chain pet stores, I've had problems with thier knowledge of aquariums. Try to find a local fish store, they should be able to answer all your questions.

Answer 4

Your tank is, most likely, still cycling. In the first couple of months of cycle, there will be peaks in the cloudiness of the water. To reduce the chances of it occurring again down the line, stay away from driftwood decorations and always rinse your new gravel thoroughly before use.
I wouldn't use the "clear" product because it can sometimes damage the balance of beneficial bacteria and destructive bacteria. Just be patient and allow your new tank to work it's way through. You should remove and replace about 50% of your water every 3-4 days.
-Happy Fishkeeping

Answer 5

The water is having a bacteria bloom and it happen a few days after starting a new aquarium. You need to cycle your tank . If you haven't gotten fish , you can do a fishless cycle , instructions could be found at
http://www.kokosgoldfish.com/tom01.html
If you already got fish , you can do the cycle with fish
http://thegab.org/Articles/WaterQualityCycling.html
Its good to read up also about basic aquarium care and the nitrogen cycle too. You can download a good guide from
http://www.hagen.com/usa/aquatic/basic/index.cfm
It is important to cycle your tank as the fish will be likely to die from ammonia and nitrite poisoning if not cycled properly.

Answer 6

It takes a while for the all the water to go through the filter. Plus when you get new fish it changes the balance of the water. Once the aquarium stabalizes so will the water. They say a new tank takes about 6-8 weeks to establish completely. Just be patient and good luck!

Answer 7

the tank is cycle ing it should take about 30 days when this time is over do a 25% water change you could lose some fish in this time but after this you should be all right the smaller the tank is the harder it is to cycle just be patient and let nature take its course think of the tank as a little lake that has to sustain life chemically that is

Answer 8

Like MM says.Time will fix the problem. Don't go adding a bunch of chemicals to the water,just do the water changes too keep the toxins under control and be patient.---Good luck.

Answer 9

Aquariums are tuff to learn. I would try snails to clear the water along with the filters. Be careful adding stuff to the water or you will be buying more fish. You have to find someone at the store that really knows, take some water to them and let them test it.

Answer 10

You are probably over feeding the fish. Don't feed them as much, usually a pinch or two. Or get the flakes, because the fish aren't eating all the food and it's clouding the water.