comments on my sump?

[Majinn]

hi,
I need comments on my tank. ive tested for water hardness, still not ready, im using API, it says about 180, stil not ready for aro. ph is 8, im x sure aros need around 6-7? as you can see, the water is cloudy. any ideas y? this wud be the first day ive filled the tank wit water and new filter medias.. i reckon i would only add any aro after the tank is fully cycled. i got the test kit ready. hopefully in 2-3 weeks time.. anything i can use to fasten the whole cycling process? or at least anything i can get or do to clear up the cloudy water? cant wait to get an aro yet i want the water to be harmless to the aro..

 

[Majinn]

i have:

1st section- wool n jap mats
2nd section- some more wool n jap matts wit bio ring
3rd section- more bio rings, active carbons and lava rocks
in between - uv light
4th section- pump

 

[daveydoodle]

Am I the only one who can't see any pictures?

 

[Hasi]

So you are trying to reduce the hardness? Cloudiness is common in new tank setups

 

[Toby_H]

There is very little value in letting a new system run without adding anything other than ensuring all equipment and plumbing is working...

There are ways to "cycle" the tank, which means to establish bacterial colonies. But unless you add a food source for the bacteria (ammonia) the bacteria will not develop. Do a search on the term "cycle" or "fishless cycle" to get detailed guidance on cycling the tank ("cycle" is short for nitrogen cycle).

When you say "hardness" do you mean GH (General hardness, referring to total dissolved solids) or KH (Carbonate Hardness referring to carbon based minerals). GH is rarely a critical detail of water quality but feel free to atempt to match it to your desired target... KH alone isn't critical but it has a direct impact on PH which is a fairly critical quality.

There are a number of ways to lower PH, I suggest doing a search for the term 'lowering PH'. My only advice here is stay away from chemical additives and lean towards natural methods.

Keep in mind unstable water parameters is usually worse for fish than not being a specific number. For this reasn many people prefer to use tap water 'as is' as opposed to adjusting it. If you do choose to adjust it be sure to find a way to do so that does not force your fish to experience regular swings.