Toxic Nitrates now cloudy water?

Question

Last week I posted that I had toxic levels of nitrates in my tank and it was recommended that I do a water change until the levels are ok. I changed 40% of the water last night. I used the gravel vacuum so I know I stirred up a lot of bacteria. Should I wait this out and let the bacteria settle or should I do 25% water changes every few days? I have 3 fish in a 45 gallon tank. Thank you

Answer 1

Do you know what the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels are now (after the change)? That would be the deciding factor. The ammonia and nitrite would ideally be = 0 (0.5 or less if your tank is still cycling) and the nitrate should be less than 40 (and even lower is better). So depending on what your original levels were, multiply by 0.6 (you removed 40% or 0.4)to get an estimate of what might still be in the tank.

While there's probably some bacteria attached to the gunk that was stirred up. most will be attached to the substrate (gravel) or the filter media. You can do another change if you fels it's needed, and you only need to remove the water if you're worried that disturbing the gravel might remove too much bacteria (although the gunk that you're removing with the siphon - fish poo and excess food - can contribute to the ammonia if it's still decomposing, thereby adding to more nitrates).

Answer 2

Cloudiness after a water change is common. The filter will pick it up. You can add some 100% poly ester fiber fill inside your filter to help. Do keep changing the water until the perameters are ideal. Keep syphoning through the substrate. Gunk has built up in those rocks and it sounds like there is a lot of it. You must rid the tank of mulm and nitrates. (under 20 ppm). Some aquarium plants may help rid the tank of nitrates as well. Let the green stuff (green algae) grow. The more green rocks, glass and ornaments the better.
If you have an undergravel filter there may be the source of all your problems. There is a process to get it out, don't just pull it up with fish in there. Repost if that's the case and I or someone can get you the how to remove it safely.

Answer 3

Probably best to let the bacterial filter regain it's foothold (I'm assuming all the toxins are at safe levels now), a 10% change in a weeks time and then back to your normal routine. As for the cloudy water there are chemicals you can use that help your filter clear them by clumping all the small particles together, they also shouldn't affect your biological filter system.