Aquarium Is 3 Days Old, Already Dirty Water

[Pioneer]

Hey guys. I just got a 30 gallon that I got all set up, and am going to let run for a week before I start cycling with Bio-Spira. I washed out all the gravel, driftwood, etc. before I set up the tank and the water was pretty clear for the most part. But everyday it's gotten worse. I haven't added fish or fish food. Any ideas why? I want to get the water clear before I start cycling with B-S. I'm using a Tetra Whisper Power 40 filter.

Thanks.

 

[ALEXF]

my only guess is that you didnt wash the decor and tank well enough?

 

[Pioneer]

well the water was fairly clear at first. then it got dirtier as the days went on.

Can I do a big water change or just let it be and start cycling with bio-spira?

 

[ALEXF]

well the water was fairly clear at first. then it got dirtier as the days went on.

Can I do a big water change or just let it be and start cycling with bio-spira?

i would just start cycling as you going to need to a really do a large change at the end of cycling... and is it same to assume that bio-spira is liquid ammonia?

 

[Corleone]

Bio-spira's one of the semi-reliable bottled bacteria. IME, it's about a 50% chance of being the divine touch of God or a kick in the nuts. Even with it, I'd use liquid ammonia to do a fishless cycle - with luck, the cycle will only last a few days at most, but it's good to be safe.

What color is the cloudiness?

 

[Pioneer]

It's brownish.

I probly didn't wash the stuff out well enough. I think I'm gonna do a 90% water change to get it clear, then start cycling tomorrow.

BTW.

I have a 32 gallon tank. In your opinion would this work

5 zebra danios
4 firemouths
4 otto cats

 

[dave1987]

it could be you driftwood boil it for ages or let it soak and then put it back in the tank

 

[Pioneer]

but dave shouldn't my filter be cleaning that and making the water clear?

 

[dave1987]

not if it staining the water is it a yellow-brown colour

 

[Pioneer]

true. well time to take out the old python and do a 90% water change.

BTW, Is 4 firemouths in a 32 gallon tank too much?

 

[Corleone]

I wouldn't go with four firemouths, maybe two - I was advised against four in a 40 gallon, which is the same as a 29 but about five inches taller. I'm not sure, but zebra danios might get eaten, giant danios or the bigger tetras should be safe.

 

[dave1987]

im not to sure about the fish take out the bogwood put it on boil or leave it soaking till the waters clear and do a big water change about 50-60% id say

 

[Pioneer]

I have weird tank dimensions. They are 36x12x17. That seems more than 30.

 

[Corleone]

That's about what my 29 is, I think. The 40 I mentioned is 36x12x23 - same as yours, but a bit taller. Because firemouths will claim land for their territory, the tanks are basically identical for them, in terms of how many you can fit.

Edit: Your filter won't really get all the brown tannins from the driftwood out, either. Filter carbon might remove it, but it tends to get saturated within a few days. The tannin is harmless, though. Water changes will remove it, and eventually it'll stop entirely. Boiling, as mentioned, speeds the process.