Mystery Cloudiness

[SOLObucky]

Thanks for all of the responses.

I started the tank about 3 1/2 months ago. Used some small and medium (5 inch and under) Koi to begin the cycle along with some bio start stuff. About 10 fish total. Plan on putting those fish in the pond this spring. After about a month and a half had a big spike and cloudiness, did a big water change and kept the fish in for another couple of weeks. Then moved the koi into a 55 which has been up and running for about 6 months. It too has never been super clear and often cloudy.

I then added the pleco and bichirs to the tank. They were in there for about a month then added the bass. All the while doing water changes but the water has remained cloudy.

Also, I added the Purigen only about 2 weeks ago.

I'm just starting to sift though all the probiotic stuff now.

I'm assuming this is the same RidX for septics that I can pick up at Walmart?

 

[SOLObucky]

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.

Right now I only have test strips (I know they kinda suck) but they come up perfect. I do the ammonia with the liquid test. Did another test last night and it's .25 or under.

No, in regards to anything but water changes.

Also caught the damn pleco trying to suck on one of the Bichirs. Knew this was a possibility so the daughter and I had to catch the thing and move it to the other tank. Stupid pleco.

Little less bio load anyway in the big tank.

 

[Rocksor]

I'm assuming this is the same RidX for septics that I can pick up at Walmart?

Yes, the powder form, about 1 tablespoon per 50-75 gallons of water. You can dump straight into the tank, or you can mix in a pitcher with tank water. Over the course of 8 hours, mix the mixture in the pitcher every couple of hours before putting it into the tank. After the last mix, let the solids settle to the bottom. You don't have to dump the solid material at the bottom of the pitcher into the tank.

 

[SOLObucky]

Yes, the powder form, about 1 tablespoon per 50-75 gallons of water. You can dump straight into the tank, or you can mix in a pitcher with tank water. Over the course of 8 hours, mix the mixture in the pitcher every couple of hours before putting it into the tank. After the last mix, let the solids settle to the bottom. You don't have to dump the solid material at the bottom of the pitcher into the tank.

Thanks. After checking this out, it seems like it's quite beneficial and can't hurt. I'm going to give it a shot this weekend.

It's appears those who do this do it every couple of weeks or so. Is that your schedule?

 

[Drstrangelove]

Right now I only have test strips (I know they kinda suck) but they come up perfect. I do the ammonia with the liquid test. Did another test last night and it's .25 or under.

Is nitrate zero? Basically, I'm asking what the reading is as part of this discussion.

 

[SOLObucky]

Yes. When doing the strips both nitrate and nitrite are white. Nitrate might be a little pinkish.

 

[Rocksor]

Thanks. After checking this out, it seems like it's quite beneficial and can't hurt. I'm going to give it a shot this weekend.

It's appears those who do this do it every couple of weeks or so. Is that your schedule?

I try to do it once a week.

 

[jaws7777]

0 nitrates would indicate that you arent cycled.

I dose the ridx every water change. I pour it in a fine media bag and let it hang in the tank and squeeze it through out the day.

 

[SOLObucky]

0 nitrates would indicate that you arent cycled.

I dose the ridx every water change. I pour it in a fine media bag and let it hang in the tank and squeeze it through out the day.

Maybe it's another mini cycle I don't know. Is it possible that a tank that's been up and running with fish for 3 1/2 months hasn't cycled?

 

[jaws7777]

I would get a liquid kit