Filters With Brown Crud On It, No Fish In Tank.

[rpgmomma8404]

I noticed this before when I first set my ten gallon up but now it's on all three filter medias. What is this? I thought me and the boyfriend cleaned the sand pretty well. Could this explain why both tanks are a bit cloudy?
 

 

 

 

[Sophie]

Don't know exactly what it is, but I know it's normal.
Just like the sludge remnants of when stuff breaks down in the tank I think. The end product of waste from everything including bacteria etc.
Obviously someone needs to come along and explain much better

 

[214jay]

Yup I have this on all my existing tanks and also when cycling, its a good thing!  I've always assumed its a sign of bacteria!

 

[Sophie]

Psst - I think you said a naughty word in your topic title

 

[rpgmomma8404]

Psst - I think you said a naughty word in your topic title

LOL, yeah I was kind of freaking out a little bit. Last time it happen it wasn't nearly this bad so I'm sitting here thinking I am doing something wrong. I'm going to do some water changes today so hopefully that helps with the cloudiness. 

 

[DerpPH]

Dont worry. Its just a sign your bacteria are doing well!

 

[rpgmomma8404]

Awesome, thanks everyone. Whew, I feel better, lol. 

 

[214jay]

 
I'm going to do some water changes today so hopefully that helps with the cloudiness.

 
I would advoid water changes if possible, cloudyness is normal

 

[rpgmomma8404]

 

 
I'm going to do some water changes today so hopefully that helps with the cloudiness.

 
I would advoid water changes if possible, cloudyness is normal

 

Oh okay. How long should I wait? 
Oh would adding water be okay? I noticed the water levels are getting low in both tanks? 

 

[214jay]

The cloudyness should clear naturally after a few days to a week.  As long as the levels are all going in line with the guidance then I would not worry.  Sometimes later in the cycle a small water change can kick start it a bit but probably not needed.  Certainly top up the water back to the correct level just make sure you treat the water with dechlorinator (that removes both chlorine and chloramine)