I have 3 silver dollar fish and 1 plecko. Tank is in bright room, but NOT in direct sunlight. I changed the filter, but it doesn't help. Is it algae? Pet store suggested covering tank with a blanket until it is clear....
Is that crazy?
2007-05-07 07:41:03 · 7 answers · asked by fuidobandito 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
Green and cloudy is a sign of algae certainly. Algae needs two things to grow, nutrients and light, so covering the tank with a blanket would cut the light certainly. I would try that for about 12 hours a day along with increased water changes to lower the nutrient level in the tank. Between the two it should control the algae in fairly short order. You may wish to leave the filter uncovered and a small area next to it for proper air flow.
MM
2007-05-07 07:51:12 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd agree with the two gentlemen that answered before me, but I would be inclined to think that since you just changed your filter, the cloudy could be from a bacterial bloom. How long ago was the change done? I just cleaned out one of the two filters I have on my 20 gallon tank and it is still slightly clouded after a day and a half, but I am not showing any spikes on my ammonia or nitrites. Generally if your tank is well cycled, changing the filter won't re cycle it as you do carry some of your bacteria colony in your gravel bed. If you do a water change, you may want to consider applying a small amount of aquarium salt with it. Not only will that help your fish adjust to any stress in the water chemistry, but it should help drive out some of the nutrients the algea is feeding on. Condition and neutralize your water on water changes. Every location has different water quality. Some places many have higher nutrient trace levels in local water then others, and treating it before adding will help. Is your aquarium planted at all? If your plants are beginning to fade, it may be another positive sign this is an algea problem, and that is stealing the nutrients from your plants.
2007-05-07 08:04:40 · answer #2 · answered by I am Legend 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's pea soup water you got, the only things that'll get rid of it are either massive water changes, UV sterilizer, or Diatom Filter. Option 2 or 3 can be pricey, but it may be worth it to you, I don't know your situation. Water changes will do it sooner or later.
Covering the tank will usually only help keep it from coming back unless you keep it covered for an extremely long time. The point is, you got a lot of light getting to the tank for some reason and you need to cut it back somehow to prevent if you choose to stay away from option 2 or 3.
2007-05-07 07:52:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even though it is not in direct sunlight, being in bright light can still cause significant algae problems, therefore affecting water cloudiness and colour. Covering it with a blanket is a good idea.
2007-05-07 07:45:10 · answer #4 · answered by wildbeauty123 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
doesnt sound like algae if u changed the filter and its not helping you may need a better filtration system in your tank
2007-05-07 08:00:03 · answer #5 · answered by nmorinello 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no not crazy, also i'd test your water level, see what's missing or what there's too much of.....and you can always geta good brand of water clearer or something for cloudy water/
2007-05-07 07:45:06 · answer #6 · answered by harmonieclark 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the water temp, it might be to warm.
2007-05-07 07:49:29 · answer #7 · answered by Robert S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋