New Tank

[gmc1]

Hi.i recently upgraded to new ehiem inicipria 300.everything was fine until last week when I added Pleco.i think my tank went into mini cycle although all parameters have been fine.water has been cloudy and I used clarity last night.just done 50 % water change and have had lights off for 3 days.really stuck as to why waters still murky.i have java ferns and a couple of other hardy plants.phosphate is ok too.i have airstones running.thanks in advance

 

[Ninjouzata]

What size tank is this? If it is your 3g betta tank or your 46l both of those are too small How big is the plec? Can you give exact water parameters?

 

[gmc1]

Hi sorry.its my 60 gallon tank.ammonia o nitrite 0 nitrate 10.new plectrum around 3 inches
Phosphate at 1.0. Running fluval 406 and fluval u3 .

 

[Wills]

What kind of plec is it? As commons will outgrow a 60g and produce too much waste for it to handle.
 
A 3 inch pleco should not cause too many problems right now though, I suppose if the tank was quite lightly stocked before them it could make problems, the cloudyness could be cause by the plec wanting to find hiding holes and him having to dig through to do so disturbing the substrate?
 
Wills

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Cloudy water = heterotrophic bacterial bloom. These bacteria live in the water and need an organic source of nutrients unlike the nitrifying bacteria which need no organics. This usually comes from excess decaying food, plant matter and even fish poop. Many people usually get it from feeding too much. As Wills noted some or all of the problem could happen from the plec stirring up things. My hunch is it is likely a combo of factors. Try big water changes and greatly reduced feeding. Also let us know if you are adding anything else to the tank like ferts or water treatments to adjust pH etc.

 

[gmc1]

I vac the silica sand everyday.my 3 otos and plec have waste everywhere.i used melafix not long ago.i use fluval plant nutrients once a week.i will try another 50% water change tomorrow.thanks

 

[gmc1]

We'll my tank is now back to normal.i took Pleco back to shop.added uv steriliser and didn't feed for a few days.done a 80% water change yesterday to remove dead stuff from uv running?hopefully all will remain stable?I am going to reduce lighting time also?if everything is ok I will add the gouramis I want in a couple of weeks.thanks