On going problem with an unclear tank

[TAMU16]

I know this is a very common topic but I have been reading for months now and do not know what to do and trying several things.

I am relatively new to aquariums and really love the hobby but I am getting very frustrated with my water.

I will inform y'all on my setup and what Im doing and hopefully someone notices a problem or has a solution.

I have a 100 gallon tank. It has several plants in it, no drift wood, black fine grain sand and two fake volcano fish decorations.

It has two aerators, one on each side of the tank.

Im running 2 emperor 400s and just got an additional penguin 200 yesterday.

I have tried to put ammocarb/carbon and other stuff like that in the plastic tray the 400s come with and have seen no improvements or differences.
I have been doing water changes and putting the water additives and still it's not clear. It's not super bad if you're looking at something close but looking from end to end you can't see the other side.


I am about to order an aqua clear 110 just to add even more filtration.

Sorry for the long post and thanks to everyone who helps in advance!


What should be my next step to add or check or eliminate?

 

[deeda]

How long has the tank been set up?

Have you tried shutting off the aerators to see if that eliminates the 'cloudiness' you are seeing? Sometimes what you are experiencing is fine air bubbles that looks like the tank is cloudy.

 

[carbene]

sounds like tank is not cycled.

 

[TAMU16]

I will turning off the air. The tank has been setup for about 6.5 months

 

[DMD123]

A white cloudiness is usually a result of a bacterial bloom. Ive had it happen in a cycled tank when Ive done a very large water change and even with water conditioner it seems I had a bacterial die off and then the system tries to over compensate.
A few questions may help us give you a better answer:
What is your stock?
What is your water change routine and the amount being changed?
Do you have a water test kit ? What do your tests show?

A green cloudiness is usually free floating algae which can be a result of too much light... especially if you have high intensity light for the live plants. Might need a UV for that issue or cut back on lighting depending on the plants.

 

[ragin_cajun]

a lot of times, a bacterial bloom needs to just run its course. changing water adds new stuff for the bacteria to live on, so water changes don't help it. This assume the tank is truly cycled.

What is ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH?

 

[Fish Tank Travis]

If it's bacteria bloom then adding a UV steralizer can help it to stay cleared up.

I sometimes experience a bacteria bloom when I do a large water change. It used to take a day or two to fully clear up but I recently added a SunSun canister filter that has a built in UV steralizer and if I have a bacteria bloom now it is usually cleared up in an hour or two. I can't say for sure that the UV is the difference but it seems coincidental that this started happening when I added it so I am willing to go ahead and say it works.

 

[butchie]

a lot of times, a bacterial bloom needs to just run its course. changing water adds new stuff for the bacteria to live on, so water changes don't help it. This assume the tank is truly cycled.

What is ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH?

Sorry what stuff does it add for the bacteria? I've never heard this before so I'm curious.
Thanks

 

[xraycer]

Try adding filter floss to the 400s. The filter filter floss will help catch really fine particles and functions as a water "polisher".

Don't know what your stock is, but perhaps those Bio-Wheels may not be enough bio media. If you haven't already done so, try adding ceramic rings to all those HOBs

If the intentions for the aerators are for the sole purpose of gas exchange, then turn it off because those HOBs should provide plenty of surface agitation for gas exchange. The aerators could also be constantly stirring up fine sediment form the sand. Did you rinse the sand well before adding it to the tank?

A healthy and well maintained aquarium will not require carbon, or any other chemical additives, to keep it looking nice and smelling unoffensive.

You never mentioned what your water change regiment is, but you want to aim for 75% weekly...at a minimum....but the more the better!

 

[StIcKy~RiCe]

If it's bacteria bloom then adding a UV steralizer can help it to stay cleared up.

I sometimes experience a bacteria bloom when I do a large water change. It used to take a day or two to fully clear up but I recently added a SunSun canister filter that has a built in UV steralizer and if I have a bacteria bloom now it is usually cleared up in an hour or two. I can't say for sure that the UV is the difference but it seems coincidental that this started happening when I added it so I am willing to go ahead and say it works.

Exactly what I did to mine.

I have similar problem last few weeks. I've been keeping fish over 15years i've never ran into cloudy fish tank before. until last month. I have 4 FX6 running and i never ever have any problem, until I cleaned 2 of my FX6 . Even when I cleaned with the water from the tank, with this I encounter bacteria bloom. I notice right away after a couple of days when my tank never clear up.

- Adding new or more filters wont help

- doing water change, 30,50,80% wont help

- shutting light off all day wont help.

- adding all kind of softner or any kind of chemical to clear up the water wont help.

My tank been running cloudy for a month until I gave up. I finally order UV ster 36 watt turbo twist. I installed it, next day it clear up 50%, by the end of the week it clear up 80%. Then I did 30% water change, now i can say my tank its 100% clear.

When I say cloudy, I cant even see my fish or the other side of the tank. Thats how bad is mine. Something that I never encounter before and I understand your frustration. Get and UV asap.