Best way to clear cloudy water?

[Galantspeedz]

A UV filter is an expensive fix for a problem that SHOULD go away on it's own (for free) with a little patience. Nothing to be afraid of, but also a waste of money if not needed.

Disagree, beside clearing the cloudy water, it also clears the water of free floating algae and control bacteria / infections to a certain extend as well as increasing water aeration

Not sure how much it costs in your country but i can get a 13w built in UV filter with pump for US$15 (converted to your US currency as i presume you are in US)

 

[robham777]

It's only on the 3rd week, I'll add bacteria and go easy on feeding. I guess I just wanted to make sure everyone, including corys had enough. Last time I had water checked was last Thursday and it was ok then. The cloudiness was an overnight change.

Before you invest any money in gadgets or more fish, get a liquid test kit for ph, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. The api freshwater master test kit is the most commonly used. Also read as much as you can on aquarium cycling.

 

[Galantspeedz]

Just to be clear, I feel a UV filter is good as preventive measure and I am not recommending OP to buy a UV filter just to solve the current problem or if it will even solve the problem

 

[koltsixx]

As other have said the issue at hand sounds like the cycle has not completed yet. Patience should be all that's required to alleviate the problem.

As for filtration suggestions your best bet is to research each one and see what would work best for you. I know you're already using a Aqueon HOB/Hang On Back filters and they have their advantages and disadvantages. As do all filtration methods.

You can take other suggestions but if I was you I'd want to know the reasoning behind them and how they compare to other available alternative filtration methods. I'd also take them with a grain of salt. People can be accidentally misleading or simply have incorrect info. So you should also check the accuracy of their statements with research of your own.

The same goes for UV. Be aware that simply having a UV unit doesn't mean it's doing anything. In order to work effectively wattage, duration of exposure, proximity to light source and flow must all be taken into consideration and applied correctly. The Canisters that have popped up with UV lights built in IMO maybe good filters but any benefit from the UV would be IMO nearly non-existent or minimal at best. The low wattage and fast flow means the waters exposure to the UV is short in duration and low on intensity. Meaning the UV probably is acting at best a water clarifier if that.

A good filter and UV system can really make all the difference in your fishkeeping experience for both you and the fish. Balanced redox, as well as other factors can help your fishes health and recovery from injuries or illness. When you consider the benefits of making the right choice filter wise and a good UV system it's worth the effort to do the research.

 

[jag14]

The water looks a little better today, I'll just try and be patient and not worry too much about it. As long as all my fish are doing ok, and water tests ok. I'll have water checked again this week to be sure. I've been out of the hobby for a few years, kind of starting over again. Having to relearn some of the basics. Still debating a sponge filter, it does sound like a good idea.

 

[jag14]

Thanks so much for the advice I have received, it helps to be aware of other options and methods to ensure the health of my fish. I really do care about my finned friends and want the best for them.

 

[BIG-G]

Thanks so much for the advice I have received, it helps to be aware of other options and methods to ensure the health of my fish. I really do care about my finned friends and want the best for them.

Your welcome. Thats what everyone is here for. There will always be different opinions on how to do things, But at the end of the day we all agree its about the fish and the hobby. Glad to hear things are getting better.

 

[Dixon81]

Honestly If your tank is only 2 weeks old I'm not sure how all your fish can be doing OK. They must be stressed. You are saying the water is testing OK but not showing or telling any of the test results.

 

[jag14]

I have it tested at a LFS, they say it is showing no ammonia, nitrites or nitrates. Ph is a little high, but that is normal for my area's tap water. I started the tank with Instant Aquarium substrate, it is supposed to help cycling process. My fish are active and seem to be doing well. I started it with just zebras and corys, all I will have for a few more weeks. Want to give it time and not rush it. I will have another water test done Thursday. I have the dip strips for testing, but not sure how accurate they are, that's why I have test at LFS to see if they come up same as strips. So far, they have same results.

 

[Hendre]

Liquid tests are much better.