Murky Waters

[xamdarb]

i had my tank for about 8 months now and the whole time i had it i could never have clear water?
at first i had to small of a filter for the tank and no gravel vak or anything to eat the algea from the sides.
but now i have a common pleco for about 1 and a half moths a gravel vak and another filter and my water is still a murky brownish color.
any ideas why? i still have a poor filter but it should not be that bad of quality.
my tank is not over stocked so thats out of the question.
any ideas?

 

[carrera]

do you have bogwood/mopani in your tank? they can release tannins that discolor your water if they arent soaked for a long time first

 

[phlawed]

do you have bogwood/mopani in your tank? they can release tannins that discolor your water if they arent soaked for a long time first

activated carbon which clears water needs to be replaced every so often. also plants and bogwood as stated above will color water.

 

[xamdarb]

yes i do have 1 peice of bogwood but it has been in the water for 8 months should it still be releasing colors?
and do you just put the carbon bag in your filter

 

[carrera]

it has been in the water for 8 months should it still be releasing colors?

i wouldnt think so

there are some products available that are supposed to clear up murky water. i have never tried them though.