Filled new tanks up 24 hours ago and have an algae bloom

[RipperMcGoo]

Pics below.
I filled the tanks up yesterday. Got some plants in the mail and decided it was time to fill.
I used some soil bags where i got some mesh and filled it with some dirt from the yard, sand, and rocks and buried them under the sand to get some nutrients for the plants as they need some tlc. Tanks are obviously cycling so i can experiment a little bit however ive never had an instantaneous algae bloom like this. Just did a water test and I'd say ammonia is at 0.5 ppm, ph is 8.2 in each tank. Havent tested for nitrites or nitrates yet. Should i remove the soil bags or let it ride?

 

[RipperMcGoo]

Ok just tested nitrite and nitrate.
Nitrite we at 0 ppm.
Nitrate at 5ppm in bottom tank and 0ppm in top tank.

 

[skjl47]

Hello; Seriously doubt you have an algae bloom. You likely have what happens many times with a newly set up tank exacerbated with the soil added. A bacterial bloom perhaps. Some tiny particle suspended in the water as well. Even micro air bubbles perhaps. I have had the sort of cloudy water pictured. Usually clears up in a few days, but with soil from your yard may take a bit longer.

some soil bags where i got some mesh and filled it with some dirt from the yard, sand, and rocks and buried them under the sand to get some nutrients for the plants as they need some tlc

Hello; Many aquarium plants draw nutrients from the water. A few such as Amazon swords do need root nutrients. I did try dirt from a yard a few decades ago and the mess was too much. My experience had clouds in the water any time I dug into the substrate. But I did not use mesh bags so your experience may be better.

buried them under the sand

Hello; You used sand. I have used sand with and without plants. My experience is sand does not grow plants so well especially if it is too fine. I like gravel at least the size of bb's but generally a bit larger not quite up to the size of small peas. I also like the substrate to be at least 4 inches + deep and have done deeper.

There is a potential issue with sand to consider. Being fine it can form anaerobic pockets wherein bacteria can thrive resulting in toxins. A usual trick is to stir up the sand every so often to break up these pockets. Another way to avoid the issue is to have the sand as a thin layer.

Last thought today. Soil from a yard has risks. Soil has living things in it. Do a search on here or other fish sites about using soil in a tank. Others have done so. Also feel free to ignore my comments. That I do not favor sand nor soil from a yard does not mean it will not work. Good luck and may I learn something new.

 

[RipperMcGoo]

Hello; Seriously doubt you have an algae bloom. You likely have what happens many times with a newly set up tank exacerbated with the soil added. A bacterial bloom perhaps. Some tiny particle suspended in the water as well. Even micro air bubbles perhaps. I have had the sort of cloudy water pictured. Usually clears up in a few days, but with soil from your yard may take a bit longer.


Hello; Many aquarium plants draw nutrients from the water. A few such as Amazon swords do need root nutrients. I did try dirt from a yard a few decades ago and the mess was too much. My experience had clouds in the water any time I dug into the substrate. But I did not use mesh bags so your experience may be better.


Hello; You used sand. I have used sand with and without plants. My experience is sand does not grow plants so well especially if it is too fine. I like gravel at least the size of bb's but generally a bit larger not quite up to the size of small peas. I also like the substrate to be at least 4 inches + deep and have done deeper.

There is a potential issue with sand to consider. Being fine it can form anaerobic pockets wherein bacteria can thrive resulting in toxins. A usual trick is to stir up the sand every so often to break up these pockets. Another way to avoid the issue is to have the sand as a thin layer.

Last thought today. Soil from a yard has risks. Soil has living things in it. Do a search on here or other fish sites about using soil in a tank. Others have done so. Also feel free to ignore my comments. That I do not favor sand nor soil from a yard does not mean it will not work. Good luck and may I learn something new.

Appreciate the response. I've had sand before and i usually just stir it up a lil with water changes. Part of the reason i chose soil from the yard was the biological content of said soil. Its a good way to jump start a cycle and add nutrients to the water column. The real risk is if fertilizer or pesticide has leached into the soil but I've done it before with mixed results. The bags just make it easier to remove and prevents mixing. I actually sifted the sand with some organic potting soil to get the fine particles of the potting soil mixed in with the sand as well probably shouldve mentioned that. It helps loosen the sand. The bottom aquarium is gonna have axolotls so pebbles are a no no. Might add some gravel to the top though.

 

[skjl47]

Hello; I used sand often enough to start the practice of rinsing the sand in buckets before putting it in a tank. I was into breeding Kribensis cichlids for a time and the sand substrate was good for them to dig into.