Cloudy Fish Tank

[driger8642]

Hey guys, I have a fully cycled 30g freshwater tank which has 4 baby angelfishes (about 1 inch to 1.25 inch) (I plan on moving the angelfishes to a bigger tank once they get bigger since I know they need space) and 4 spotted cory catfish (about 1 inch as well). The water levels are normal, temperature is around 77-78, feeding time is twice a day just about what the fishes eat in 30 secs. I have an air stone, fake plants, thermostat, and a filter (tetra 40 i believe). Water changes are performed every 5-7 days about 30-40% using tap water treatment before adding the new water to the tank.

Now thats taken care of, my question is that I notice that the front of my tank seem soo clear meanwhile both sides of the tank make the water seem soo cloudy. What can be the problem here and whats the best solution?

My best guess was algae growth or something, if it is then whats the best scrubber or way to clear up the sides?

 

[Byron]

It is a good idea to use a sponge-type scraper to go over the inside of the front glass at each water change, and you can do this on the sides as well.  There are a few models available in fish stores.  You can also use a clean sponge (one never used for non-fish work) in your hand.
 
Even if you don't see anything on the glass, there is what we call a biofilm that develops on all surfaces covered by water, and this film attracts microscopic critters, bacteria of various types, and algae.  Over time it will thicken, but cleaning the glass at every water change even if it doesn't look dirty will ensure it remains as clean as it can be.
 
Byron.

 

[driger8642]

It is a good idea to use a sponge-type scraper to go over the inside of the front glass at each water change, and you can do this on the sides as well.  There are a few models available in fish stores.  You can also use a clean sponge (one never used for non-fish work) in your hand.
 
Even if you don't see anything on the glass, there is what we call a biofilm that develops on all surfaces covered by water, and this film attracts microscopic critters, bacteria of various types, and algae.  Over time it will thicken, but cleaning the glass at every water change even if it doesn't look dirty will ensure it remains as clean as it can be.
 
Byron.

 Thanks a lot, will give this a try tomorrow. Do I need to use any type of chemical to clean the glass or just use the plain scrubber?

 

[Byron]

No, just water.  I tend to do this with most of the water still in the tank.  Some implements can scratch the glass, so be careful; also picking up a speck of sand or gravel in the sponge/scrubber will mark the glass.

 

[driger8642]

No, just water.  I tend to do this with most of the water still in the tank.  Some implements can scratch the glass, so be careful; also picking up a speck of sand or gravel in the sponge/scrubber will mark the glass.

 
awesome thanks a lot, especially with the sand comment since I was just about to head out to replace my gravel with sand for my corys

 

[Byron]

 

No, just water.  I tend to do this with most of the water still in the tank.  Some implements can scratch the glass, so be careful; also picking up a speck of sand or gravel in the sponge/scrubber will mark the glass.

 
awesome thanks a lot, especially with the sand comment since I was just about to head out to replace my gravel with sand for my corys

 

 
Good idea, sand with corys.  I changed from fine gravel to play sand about four years ago, one tank at a time, and wish I'd done it much sooner.  It does make a difference with many fish.

 

[Bubble.Guppy]

Are the two piece magnet aquarium cleaners okay to use?

 

[Byron]

Are the two piece magnet aquarium cleaners okay to use?

 
I have never used these, but some members have reported they can scratch the glass.  I have a simple sponge material on the end of a slightly curved plastic handle about 16 inches long.  It is very easy to run this up and down over the inside glass as the water is siphoned out.  I have also used a clean (= aquarium-use only) sponge in my hand, once the water level is close to half.

 

[Bubble.Guppy]

I wasn't sure whether to get the long handled sponge or the magnet. Thanks! Now I know

 

[Gruntle]

I had a magnet. Dropped it into the substrate, carefully cleaned all the gravel off it and gave my tank a swish with it.
 
Sadly, I missed a speck and have a scratch from the top to the bottom of the tank.
 
Now I use the sponge cleaners only.

 

[Bubble.Guppy]

Ahhh, now I see how it could damage the glass. Thanks gruntle!