New Tank Set Up - Merky Water

[Lawrence1584]

I have recently brought a brand new tank, a d washed gravel tank etc. It's a 4ft, 240litre, filter has been turned on for 72hours, it's getting clearer but still merky at the top. Looks as if there is a dusty residue on the surface of the tank. Will it take alot longer to clear? I have also changed some water. I have owned tanks for 7 years and always started with a brand new tank, Never took so long to clear tho, any comments will be appreciated

 

[mattbleasby]

Do you know about "Cycling" your tank? 72 hours is not good enough. Needs to be fed ammonia & water changed for up too 6 weeks.

It will be a bacteria bloom in the water. It will clear.

 

[Lawrence1584]

Yeah I have heard of cycling, my smaller tanks have cleared quicker than that, thank you for your help

 

[Harlequins]

The dusty bit could be from the gravel,its surprising what comes off of it even though its been washed.

You could try doing another waterchange,otherwise it will eventually clear itself.,obviously you have a greater volume of water to clear has opposed to smaller tanks.

 

[mattbleasby]

I would put a bet on this being a Bacteria bloom as the tank is not cycled. Im sure it will clear it self. But for peace of mind i would do some big water changes if it worried me.

My 2p.

 

[Lawrence1584]

To be honest it isn't worrying me now that I have had some advice. I should of realised that a greater volume of water would take a lot longer to clear and as the gravel, tank, filter are all brand new I expected there would be merky water. I have taken some water from my other tank to put put in the new one, and have used some old water aswel to soak my filter media. Still have the dusty residue on the surface but will just be patient and wait for it to clear up.