Frothy Foam And Cloudy Water

[Hoppo]

Hey everyone

When I opened the lid to feed the fish tonight, I noticed a frothy bubbly foam floating on top of the water and the water its self is starting to cloud up. Any idea what this is? I'm going to do a water change tomorrow. Thanks

 

[Hermithall]

Hey everyone

When I opened the lid to feed the fish tonight, I noticed a frothy bubbly foam floating on top of the water and the water its self is starting to cloud up. Any idea what this is? I'm going to do a water change tomorrow. Thanks

Hi Hoppo,
These are signs of bad water quality which is full of waste (protein/oil molecules, organic material, ammonia, etc) and a 50% dechorinated water change to begin with would be a good idea. If you don't do it already, implement a weekly partial water change regime (25%) to keep the nitrates down. It's also helpful to feed sparingly and understock your tank.
Check your filter media isn't gunged up too as this will prevent decent water flow through the filter. If it needs a rinse, remember to clean it in water from the tank - I usually fill a bucket with tank water and rinse my filter stuff in that. Rinsing under the tap would result in the death by chlorine of your "good bacteria" colony. Sorry if you already know this stuff.

 

[minnnt]

Clean all filter media in tank water to remove any build up of mulm, carry out a 75% water change using as stated dechlorinated water and ensure that your filter is creating adequate surface movement in the tank too. Also look into the amount you're feeding, oily surface residue is usually down to food.

How mature is your tank? How is it stocked etc?

 

[KkAaNnEe]

You havent recently added sand have you?

 

[Hoppo]

The tank has been up and running for over 7 months now. No sand wasnt recently added, its been there from the start of the tank. Theres plenty of water flow from the filter and I have a powerhead rotating back and forth for under current. I'm going to do a 50% water change today, and see what happens.

Thanks for all the help.