Clear Water (or Not So)

[marks]

Hi all

I have a tank (only125Lt) of which I don't seem to be able to get as clear as I would like it. It seems a bit misty, could it be something I've done whilst cleaning it ? I cleaned about 20% two days ago. Should it be cleared yet ?

 

[jwddboy]

How long have you had it for?
When did you cycle it?

 

[marks]

I've had it about 3 months now and, didn't really clean it for the first 4/6 weeks and then I've cleaned it approx once a week. Am I doing something wrong ?

 

[jwddboy]

Does this tank have any fish in it?

What are your water parameters?

Thanks

 

[marks]

Yes, probably about 16 / 18 mainly mollies and guppies. Real silly question to yourself (as I'm pretty new to this) but what do you mean by parameters ? oh, we have already had 2 lots of babies of which I have managed to keep some of.
.

 

[jwddboy]

Sorry. I meant your ammonia, nitrate and nitrite levels.

Nice to hear you got babies! Congrats.

 

[marks]

Oh I don't know about those levels, I'll check and let you know.. Please look out for my posts. Yes it was great to see them having the babies - silly as it sounds it seemed like an achievment - sad eh ?
Thanks for the advise, I should imagine that if those levels aren't correct that could be the reason..

 

[OldMan47]

You want to measure ammonia and nitrites using a liquid test kit Marks. If you find either one measurable, you are not done cyclin the tank or have interrupted the nitrogen cycle. A mistake many new to the hobby make is to change filters as often as manufacturers suggest. What ends up happening is they throw out the good bacteria with the dirty filter. The better way to do things is to keep the old filter and just swish it out in old tank water when you do a water change. It will get the filter clean enough and help you keep a healthy bacterial colony going in your filter. Until your ammonia and nitrites stay at none measurable by themselves, you need to continue to do frequent, even daily, partial water changes.

 

[Scotty001]

my frst thought is a bacteria bloom, but a couple of questions first...

had your tank actually cycled before you put the fish in ??

How long had your tank been "set up" before you added fish ?

Did you add all the fish at the same time.

when you say you clean the tank how are you cleaning it and what are you cleaning

before your water went cloudy had you recently cleaned the filer media or replaced it ??

What type of filter (make & model) do you have ?

Scott