off coloured water

[Matty]

The water in my 90g aquarium is greenish/brown (maybe stained) looking and I dont know how to solve the problem. I've tried adding carbon to the filter, vacuuming the tank and even doing a 60%water change, but the nasty colour wont go away. I have 2 pieces of driftwood in the tank, but one's been there for over 6 years and the other 6 months, so I dont think that its from that. What do I do and how can I get my water sparkly clear again?

 

[Fishkeeper2004]

Remove both pieces of driftwood, my tanks were always murky brown when I had a piece of that in, I took it out, did two 50% changes (over two weeks), and the water was crystal clear again.

 

[nc_nutcase]

If it is from the wood, then at least your fish are safe. First thought would be to ensure the fish aren't being damaged so as long as they are acting fine and not getting any discoloration / spots on the fish themselves... and your water conditions (amm/nit/PH/etc) are all where they're supposed to be... that part is fine...

I still understand wanting the water crystal clear. Taking out the wood is an option but I would suggest that you replace it with something else if you do. As I'm sure you know fish are happier and more active when they feel the safety of adequate cover. It's possible there was a pocket of tannin in one of the logs and it is just not leeching. If that's the case it will probably stop before too long. Adding extra carbon and doing frequent water changes would be your best bet. I would discourage you from making huge water changes and instead do 15%-25% daily changes.

I guess a lot of it depends on which is more important to you (and your fish) crystal clear water or the driftwood. I really like the effects the wood has on a tank and have learned to not notice the slight reddish brown tint it gives the water.

 

[CTS]

yes, i would have to say its the wood. I have 3 pieces in my 50 gal. The tannins will go away eventually with normal water changes.

 

[Dubby]

Matty:

Since you have had the wood for so long, that maynot be the cause.

Could be algae. Reduce the lighting to less than 10hrs, add filter wool to your filter, reduce feeding and it should clear in a couple of days.

 

[Nidge]

If the wood has been there so long its not the wood for sure.
It could be algae, How long are the lights on for during the day?
Is the tank near a window?
Ill also go along with what Dubby said, Its good advice.

 

[Matty]

The lights are only on for about 5hrs a day and the tank is in my basement, so there's no sunlight affecting it. I have filter wool in my filter already, but the water is still discoloured. How much longer do you think with the driftwood?

 

[Nidge]

one's been there for over 6 years and the other 6 months

If this is correct then your problem isn't your wood.

 

[Matty]

what could it be then? oh yeah...I added a carbon pouch to my filter and it seems to be working very, very nicely! The water's still not perfect, but its alot better!

 

[Dubby]

Matty:

I am assuming the following have NOT changed in the last few weeks:

- fully cycled tank
- tank in basement
- light < 5hrs
- driftwood has always been there
- filter wool in filter has been there

Can you remember what HAS changed......