Help me achieve crystal clear water!

[magic]

I can cut out the Cichlid food, it was just old left over food that I am feeding the Gourami to get rid of it.

Thanks for all the advice everyone!!

 

[dzjr1188]

You dont have to cut out the food, you are probably over feeding. fish have very small stomachs but very big appetites. its like a little kid with cake, or if you feed a dog a bowl of food then sit a steak infront of him. Problem with me saying this is everyone thinks differently with food and there really if no right answer. if you still have food left use it just watch how much you use, also think of switching to NLS or something with a little less filler in it.

 

[magic]

Ya I will just cut it back. I have some banana for treats for the gourami and I don't have any other pellets big enough for it. Hopefully removing gravel, more water changes, and eventually getting rid of the Gourami and barbs will solve my problem. IF that doesn't do it I'll be back. haha

Thanks for all the help!

 

[joe jaskot]

Most of your problem is due to the food your are feeding your fish. Some of your cheaper foods will turn your water a brown color. Feeding hot dogs and bananas to fish? No way. Squash or peas are a much better food for your fish. Also cut down on the amount of food your are feeding and increase your water changes. With large fish like yours, I recommend not feeding them everyday. They will be fine. You can use carbon, or purigen to help remove some of the colors from the water. If you want to remove the suspended particles in the water, get yourself a Vortex Diatom filter and run it once or twice a week. Your water will be sparkling clean.