Cloudy Water

[oopsadazy]

My tank is about 3 weeks old. I had cloudy water at first with high amouna. I did a 1/2 water change and it cleared up but still high amouna. Now the amouna is right and it has got cloudy again. I am useing an oceanic trickle filter with carbon and a spounge. What should I do just let it clear on its own or do a 1/2 water change?

[Jason S]

Depends upon the source of the cloudy water. Crushed coral substrate, favored by cichlid hobbyists to slightly raise pH and buffer water, often has high levels of fine particulate matter which, if not rinsed, will cloud water initially (though a filter with fine porous material like carbon should help). You can also get water clouding by blooms fueled by nutrients (wastes) of fish feed. "Seeding" the tank with nitrifying bacteria by using some substrate or a filter from an established aquarium usually cures this problem. A conservative feeding regimen in the new aquarium is often recommended. More frequent water changes certainly should not hurt anything though.

[peacefulfields]

Yeah you just have new tank syndrome... I myself would not do a 50% water change... I do no more than 20% because your taking out too much good bacteria.. Also I assume your using a rock vacuum... My tank would be considered under filtered yet I have some of the clearest water around... Because I have my bio right and I use large rocks witch naturally filter the water better... I do a 20% water change about every 4-6 months...