Mystery Cloudiness

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SOLObucky

SOLObucky

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Oct 19, 2015
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OK, I've searched this site and google for weeks, and I can't get to the bottom of the cloudiness in my tank.

Here's the dealio;

150 gallon
Up and running for 3 months
Two overflows with a submerged sump, filter media, bio balls, Perigen
2 powerheads for added water movement
Black Diamond sand bottom
3 large pieces of driftwood

Tanked stocked with:
2 10" Bichirs
1 6" Irwini Cat
1 5" Common Pleco
2 Peacock Bass 7" and 10"

Water parameters are all good. But the ammonia is always around .25. I have well water that has a pretty high iron content, but when it runs through the softener, it takes most of it out. I tested the water right out of the tap, and it also tested out around .25 ammonia.

Weekly water changes of about 30 %.

Fish all appear healthy, eating well and show no signs of illness.

BUT THE DAMN WATER STAYS CLOUDY!

I'm thinking it has something to do with the well water or the water softener causing a bacteria bloom, but I'm just guessing.

It's not super cloudy, just enough to be damn annoying. Below is a photo to give you an idea.

Anybody got a theory? Thanks.

20160330_060242.jpg
 
Look up different threads on RidX, there have recently been a couple similar topics on it and I believe others use have used it to clear bacteria blooms.

You need to address the ammonia issue though. Any lingering trace is an issue and a properly cycled tank should get rid of it within a day, even if its coming from your tap.
 
Cutting back on feedings and upping ur water changes to 50% twice a week with gravel vacuuming will help for now.

Nice Orinos by the way.
 
Thanks for the RidX suggestion, I'll look into it. And I'll increase the water changes for the time being.

What's really driving me nuts it that I maintain a heavily stocked 30 gallon at work with Chicago tap water. And with weekly water changes and two stupid hang on filters, it's been crispy clear for 3 years. :confused:

Thanks about the Orinos. Daughter loves them but fully knows at some point we're gonna have to find them a bigger home. Hopefully that will mean the wife letting be get a bigger tank.:rolleyes:
 
I wouldn't assume the tank up and running means it cycled. It could take longer if you've had low ammonia production relative to tank size.

In my limited experience when there is an on-going bacteria bloom, water changes didn't help. I resorted to UV light.

How long before you reach 0 ammonia in in your other tank after water changes?
 
Sometimes .25 and 0 atleast for me are tricky with the api test kit. What are you using for mechanical filtration ?

Im a ridx user, breaks down waste pretty good. .... check out the sticky about probiotics written by rd.
 
Question: Are you using some method to get rid of nitrates beyond water changes? Otherwise, those metrics I would think have to be pretty high.
 
Had a similar problem with my 150g and found that the Purigen was working too well and slowing down my cycle. I think even Seachem say that Purigen shouldn't be used in a new tank until fully cycled. When I removed my Purigen got an immediate ammonia spike which started a mini cycle, couple of weeks later all good and water crystal clear. Maybe worth a try.
 
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