Cloudy water

[larryp]

Started a 55 gal. saltwater tank 3 months ago. Everything was great 'till about two weeks ago. Started developing cloudy water.Had an underground filter as well as an aqua clear 300. I changed 1/4 of the water for the first time. Still had cloudy water. Was advised to get the underground system out as that would lead to too much bacteria in the tank. So took it out and added another aqua clear 300. The cloud left by removing the under ground system was severe. The water is getting better. I've used saltwater clearifyer the past couple of days but still have a small cloud. Tested the water today and both amonia and nitrates are very high. (top of the scale for nitrates). Let it sit for a couple of days? Change the water again? The fish are coping so far. Thanks. Larry

 

[tangtang]

Hi Larry!
Until one of our wisened members helps/posts...
Have you tried running carbon in your filters? It may help. Do you have a protein skimmer? The cloudiness IMO could be the particles that were trapped underneath and the skimmer will help by taking them out of the water. Carbon can help to polish the water as well as reduce particles...?
Linda

 

[entice59]

if you can, i would ask your local fish stores if they can hold your fish if possible or atleast another tank. if you cant, do some waterchanges, 25% everytwo days and see how it goes

 

[azeritis]

I thought you were not supposed to use carbon since it kills all of the bacteria in the tank, including beneficial.
As a note it is always better to maintain water quality without the use of chemicals. Use them only if everything else fails

 

[dreeves]

The first cloudiness was probably from the cycling. Cycling isn't a very fast process.
The second cloudiness was probably caused by the sand being turned. Also with the sand being turned, you will experience an additional cycle.
You may consider conduction more frequent water changes. While the tank is cycling, maybe consider somewhere around 25-30% once a week.
Charcoal doesn't kill bacteria that I am aware of.

 

[larryp]

Thanks for the responses. I'd not heard of carbon filters or a skimmer before. Going for a 25% water change now then off to the fish store! Thanks again!!

 

[dreeves]

Protein skimmers remove dissolved organics within your water. Carbon is an additive to a filter. Usually comes in crushed variety. Your aqua-clear 300 (if purchased new) should have had one bag of carbon in it. The carbon will remove most chemical contaminates from your water.
I have both the aqua clear 300 and 500, the 300 was on my 45 and the 500 is on my 90. Both of these filters I took everything out, put bio-balls in and hold the bio-balls in place with the foam square you get with the filter. Works good for me.