Planted turning Milky

[pjsmetana]

My planted tank (26g) has slowly over the last few weeks been turning a slight milky color. I understand this to be a bacteria bloom. I have been doing close to 50% water changes every 4 days (which is about as often as I can on my work schedule), as I know this is one of the things to do. I have a list of what to do with what algae and so on with planted tanks, and for this it states the following as "solutions" : Wait out, Protect Filter, Add Fish Slowly. The tank already has a bunch of livebearers in it. I feel like I have waited long enough. And, I haven't a clue what "Protect Filter" means. Its an Aqueon 55 HOB with 2x filter cartridges, has a sponge filter on the inlet, and has a sponge and lots of media on the inside.

So my question is, what else can I do? I don't want to change out the filter cartridges, as they contain carbon, which would negate my ferts and I'm worried I would lose too much BB from that. Every 2 weeks or so I have been pulling the opposite cartridge out and rinsing it. Every 2 weeks I pull and rinse the inlet sponge filter.

I don't have a test kit, as I have the LFS just down the street from me test my water for me and its always fine, even today it was tested good to go.

Oh great and wise MFK, lead me to the path of polished water and deliver me from bactaria bloom. For thine is the Master Monster Fish Keeper, forever and ever. RAmen. (RAmen added for you Pastafarians)

 

[pjsmetana]

OK... well, here's a pic if this helps.

 

[jcardona1]

how long has the tank been running? i dont know if its a bacterial bloom. could be just not enough good mechanical filtration

 

[pjsmetana]

Its has been up and perfect for at least 6 months. Its a large HOB, filled with noodles, topped with bioballs, started with a sponge filter, ending with a pair of floss cartridges and some more bioballs.

I guess all I can do it swap the cartridges. I really didn't want to do this... as they contain carbon.