Water suddenly cloudy

[Mbielek]

Or if it is an algae bloom, simply reduce lighting or add more plants, such as pothos, to compete for the nutrients

Just got my tank semi clear from a major algae bloom caused by uneaten algae wafers for my pleco. The water still has a slight haze to it, and I'm not sure if I should keep my light off and wait it out or make another move to fix the problem. I'm running two marineland 400s, in a 75g fresh water. Ive been doing 20% changes since my bloom, and also dosed with a bottle of good bacteria. Does anybody know if there's anything else I can be doing to solve the reoccurring haziness that I'm not expieriencing? Thanks.

 

[Mbielek]

Just got my tank semi clear from a major algae bloom caused by uneaten algae wafers for my pleco. The water still has a slight haze to it, and I'm not sure if I should keep my light off and wait it out or make another move to fix the problem. I'm running two marineland 400s, in a 75g fresh water. Ive been doing 20% changes since my bloom, and also dosed with a bottle of good bacteria. Does anybody know if there's anything else I can be doing to solve the reoccurring haziness that I'm not expieriencing? Thanks.

That I am* experiencing

 

[xraycer]

Just got my tank semi clear from a major algae bloom caused by uneaten algae wafers for my pleco. The water still has a slight haze to it, and I'm not sure if I should keep my light off and wait it out or make another move to fix the problem. I'm running two marineland 400s, in a 75g fresh water. Ive been doing 20% changes since my bloom, and also dosed with a bottle of good bacteria. Does anybody know if there's anything else I can be doing to solve the reoccurring haziness that I'm not expieriencing? Thanks.

Since there are leftovers, cut back on the wafers, and up your water changes to 50% every other day for a week. 20% w/c is inadequate. I would recommend increasing your w/c to at least 50% once a week.........twice a week is even better.

 

[Mbielek]

Since there are leftovers, cut back on the wafers, and up your water changes to 50% every other day for a week. 20% w/c is inadequate. I would recommend increasing your w/c to at least 50% once a week.........twice a week is even better.

That was the only time I used wafers, I put two in within a week and that's what was the initial cause. I then did two 50% changes that week and then it got worse, I lost a few fish and the water wasn't any better, and I was told by the fish store owner that I buy from that I took too much water out and took out all my good bacteria. That's the reason I then dosed with the bacteria, and made smaller changes. I'm afraid to take out 50% twice a week again.

 

[xraycer]

Aquarium light is for our enjoyment. Fish would rather have a tank that's on the dim side. So, to keep algae at bay reduce the time you keep the lights on......probably no more than 6 hours a day

 

[Mbielek]

Aquarium light is for our enjoyment. Fish would rather have a tank that's on the dim side. So, to keep algae at bay reduce the time you keep the lights on......probably no more than 6 hours a day

I definitely will try to reduce lighting. Does the "night mode" on an led light bar have any major affect as if the light were fully on? My light has the day light, and also the blue ambient night lights. Should I be Turning it completely off or is the blue light fine still at night.

 

[xraycer]

That was the only time I used wafers, I put two in within a week and that's what was the initial cause. I then did two 50% changes that week and then it got worse, I lost a few fish and the water wasn't any better, and I was told by the fish store owner that I buy from that I took too much water out and took out all my good bacteria. That's the reason I then dosed with the bacteria, and made smaller changes. I'm afraid to take out 50% twice a week again.

If that's the case, the wafer was probably not what caused the bloom. More likely lighting: aquarium and/or natural.
Beneficial bacteria are not free floating, they cling onto all the solid surfaces inside your tank: glass; decor; equipments. I do over 60% w/c twice a week to 4 different tanks. I rarely encounter water issues or diseases

 

[xraycer]

I definitely will try to reduce lighting. Does the "night mode" on an led light bar have any major affect as if the light were fully on? My light has the day light, and also the blue ambient night lights. Should I be Turning it completely off or is the blue light fine still at night.

Off is absolutely fine. Fish can find there way in total darkness

 

[xraycer]

Bottled bacteria will not resolve an algae or bacterial bloom issue

 

[Mbielek]

If that's the case, the wafer was probably not what caused the bloom. More likely lighting: aquarium and/or natural.
Beneficial bacteria are not free floating, they cling onto all the solid surfaces inside your tank: glass; decor; equipments. I do over 60% w/c twice a week to 4 different tanks. I rarely encounter water issues or diseases

Very interesting, thanks for the advice! Ill keep your suggestions in mind. With doing such big water changes, do you add anything special after a change? For example stress coat or melafix or anything like that. I'm always worried about my tap water. It's softened with salt so I'm never sure if my fish like the brand new tap water coming into the tank when I change my tank water.