cloudy fish tank without fish!??

Question

hey why is my aquarium cloudy even though i have no fish i have a java fern in there with a filter my fish tank is brand new so theres no stains on it for my tank to look cloudy

Answer 1

In a brand new tank, it is pretty common for it to be cloudy with no fish. Test for ammonia, and if it is zero, then you are seeing sediment/dust from the gravel.

Answer 2

It will cycle if it has plants in it, even if you have no fish in there. It is good to do a fishless cycle with plants, so let it finish before you put the fishies in. The ammonia is good for the plants but can kill the fish.

Answer 3

Next time wash the gravel better. When setting up a new tank the gravel, sand or whatever you are using needs to be rinsed until the water runs clear - it takes a lot of work sometimes. (and don't add fish until it clears!)

Answer 4

It sounds like your tank is cycling. Which is exactly what you want it to do. It's producing bacteria that will be beneficial to your tank once your fish arrive. It's part of the nitrogen cycle. Read more about it here...

http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php

and here...

http://www.aquahobby.com/articles/e_ciclo.php

Answer 5

if it looks like its smokey...the amonia level is high...it needs to be changed...add 1 teaspoon of salt to10 gal of water this will help keep the water good longer but do a water change first...and if u do add fish u can still add the salt it is good for the fish

Answer 6

That is absolutely normal for a new fishtank
Here is some more info
http://www.aquahobby.com/articles/e_fishless.php
http://www.aquahobby.com/articles/e_fishless.php


Hope that helps
Good luck


EB