Newbie With Some Questions!

[maisied]

Hello, Im new to the hobby. I purchased a 35 gallon tank and have two very pretty goldfish living happily. My main concern is cloudy water! I have an ammonia and nitrite reader inside and all levels are safe and my fish are healthy and active. Ive had tham for about 4 weeks, and the cloudy water is driving me nuts!! lol I should mention its not horrible it was worse! I just want to know how long this should last and if its normal? I was also wondering what the brown stuff is in my filter media bacteria or waste?
I look forward to hearing from anyone with some advice or helpful tips! Ive definitly been learning as I go, the more I know the better!!! Thanks

 

[algir]

Hi!

Goldfish are very messy fish. It has also been my experience that "hang in the tank tests" give false readings. Get a liquid test kit, API's is pretty simple and check your WPs. As of right now, you may want to do a WC. Good luck!

 

[BigbruiserAl]

The hang in tank ones are great, however people dont use them right lol. They are a good indiction of changing stats but should not be used instead of proper test like the API. There is some detailed explenation on here that can tell you what they test for it not true ammonia if i remeber right.

Was the tank cycled before you put the goldfish in?

 

[OldMan47]

Welcome to the forum Maisied.
With only 2 goldfish in a 35 gallon tank, you have very appropriate stocking levels. If you cannot afford proper test kits, a simple 30% weekly water change should keep your fish healthy until the filter can cycle. Don't forget to properly dechlorinate the new water before you add it. Some degree of cloudiness is not at all unusual in a new tank. It is a result of bacteria, the free floating kind, reproducing in your tank. Usually it clears up on its own but the water changes should help out a bit.