Bacterial Bloom

[Binge]

So about a month and a half ago I got a bacterial bloom in my wifes community tank and couldnt shake it. I got rid of ALL of the juvinile platys simply because I knew the tank was overcrowded and that cleared it up for about 2 weeks now its back again. Is there any clever tricks to stopping this or shall I just be patient and let it do its thing. Just tired of the white cloudiness... All my other tanks are clear as crystal.

 

[nigsy]

are you sure it's bacteria and not ammonia??

 

[ron4sum1]

If you are absolutely certain it is a bacterial bloom, it is safe to leave your fish there. However, if it is a result of debris or overfeeding, which can lead to ammonium ion build-up, it might be better to remove the fish and perform a large water change until your water parameters are good. I assume you know your stuff since you stated that you own other aquarium as well. You can buy accu-clear if it's dirt. It makes them bind, making them larger so filter can trap them easier.

Good luck

 

[ctsv510]

Are you sure it's white cloudiness and not green at all? I could have sworn I was having a month long bacteria bloom with white cloudiness until I switched to using a white bucket for water changes and I noticed that the water actually had a slight green tint to it. It turned out to be algae in the water, not bacteria, and I was able to clear it up within 2 hours with some algae killer.

 

[Binge]

Yeah I am sure its white I have checked it in various lighting to be certain. The tank is getting a huge overhaul this weekend. I know its overstocked to the gills my wifes live bearers are insane. Tomarrow all fish are bucket bound for a while so I can drain the tank down to around an inch of water. Going to scrubb all glass and my filters down then refill. after that only the mollys/snails/pleco and my baby bichir(he is growing out to not snack size.) go back in the tank. The fry go to my dempsy/lobsters and the rest get donated to a small lfs. I think in the end that even though my ammonia stays down the tank is just to over populated with live bearer fry to be stable. Like i said my other 3 tanks are great just the #41#### live bearers.

She wants to go mollies/some kind of skirt tetra/neon tetras/ and perhaps some kind of gourami as a center piece.(have not reaserched compatabilitys yet)

 

[2101]

If it is a white cloudy bacterial bloom it would settle usually in 24-72hours if you add aeration to the water. I had this early on and it cleared in doing so.

Here is the link to the threat made by BTT. Explains all to know on the bacterial bloom, very handy:

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/246850-bacterial-blooms-explained/

 

[Binge]

Thank you 2101 that was informative. I know the tank is beyond crowded from the live bearers going nuts faster then I could keep up. I had planned on removing about 80 % of the stock this weekend and donateing it. However I discovered another fun problem with this particular tank. It has callamanus worms I did a lil research when I noticed the red worms on 3 fish in the tank. Turns out in my area(ohio) most of the whole salers of fish had an out break of them and they could be found in many of our stores tanks. Considering I started keep tanks 8 months ago and the outbreak was found by a Local fish group about 3-4 months ago. Throw in that potential 3 month incubation and poof we have parasites.

So now I of course cannot donate the fish from this tank to a store and pass on that contamination I am going to try and get some Levamisole Hydrocholride from a local vet monday. If thats not possible I found some online for like 30 bucks. So looks like I got at least another 3 weeks of insanity with this tank while I treat it. Then I can get it sorted out. I think once this ordeal is over the tank will be fine. The wifes new stocking will not be insane reproduction so should be a lot more stable.

I am hoping I get the dosing right with the Levamisole Hydrocholride I have read some accounts where people basicly nuke thier entire tank and others where it noticeable takes care of the parasites in the first dose.(finish the cycle of treatment of course).

 

[2101]

No problem dude, glad it helped. Credit to BTT for creating the thread on a common issue that I'm sure happens to us all. Shame about the red worms though! Good luck with the Nuke!!