Cloudy water after a water change...

**nkthen** · 5th May 2008, 13:53

OK, for the first time, I have a water change and then it turns a little cloudy. I did a number of water changes in the past without problems, this is the first time that comes with cloudy water.

I did only 25% water change and I'm sure that I've conditioned the water with waterguard.

Other things done during the water change:
1) I remove the algae that are on the ADA soil.
2) I planted some grass on the same area where the algae infested ADA soil are removed.

Right now, the water is still cloudy. My cardinals and X-Rays are swimming fine at the bottom of the tank. But it seems like the dwarf tetras, treadfin tetras, SAEs are swimming at the top. One Neon tetra has lost orientation: swimming upside down. One Neon and one shrimp died.

The cloudiness is not due to small particles nor dirty glass.

Strange situation to me. What am I missing? Could it be the substrates?

**Aquaculture** · 5th May 2008, 14:19

How long ago was the wc before you noticed the cloudyness? It may be disturbance of the substrate. Given time, it'll settle.

How long have you kept your tank? It may also be bacteria bloom. Was the water cloudy before you did a wc?

Firstly, do check on your water parameters. Your fauna is telling you that something isn't right. Don't want to speculate what the cause might be, best for you to do a reading which would make it easier for fellow bros to help you isolate the issue.

**nkthen** · 5th May 2008, 14:25

The water isn't cloudy yesterday night. I did a water change last night and I get cloudy water almost immediately.

My tank is at least 6 months old. Fully cycled and in perfect condition before the water change.

I don't have the test kit for Ammonia but I my test for Nitrite is 0.25ppm.

Let me see what happens tonight. Any suggestions will be good.

**ronang** · 5th May 2008, 15:58

Yoy have a bateria bloom, it should clear up in a few days by itself.

**nkthen** · 5th May 2008, 19:30

So I don't have to do anything and let the weak ones die right?

OK, what should I take note of to prevent the bloom?

**Aquaculture** · 6th May 2008, 16:03

Parameter reading as in your ph, kh, etc. Reading of nitrite alone doesn't give a full picture.

As for bacteria boom, we cannot avoid tat ugliness as bb are being cultivated and the only wise advise is to let time heal. Though you may accelerate the process by adding bottled bacteria.

**nkthen** · 6th May 2008, 16:34

OK, now the water is getting clearer. You're right. Bacteria bloom. You mentioned adding bottled bacteria to speed up the process.

Is it the one that says "Ocean Free Super Battle Bacteria 8000"?

**Aquaculture** · 7th May 2008, 10:41

There are a number of brands in the market. But it seems like your bacteria boom is almost over why not wait? Its usually used for new tanks to accelerate but when its matured, what are you gonna do with the remaining portion?