Amirite?

[Haroldeez]

I just wanna say, vent really, how freaking discouraged I feel at the moment. It just dawned on me that I literally can’t “google” a single solitary concern about my new hobby without being directed to BUY BUY BUY something that’s gonna resolve my concerns. I mean if you’re new like I am people, definitely be careful out there. Other than this forum, the internet is just full of outstretched hands disguised as good informative intentions. SMH indeed...

 

[James M]

What is the issue

 

[Haroldeez]

Oh I just have a fairly new tank that a bit cloudy.... in the freshwater world that I’m comfortable in I know that’s completely normal and won’t last long.... I googled it because it’s saltwater and a new experience for me.... I just got irritated because every article told me I need to buy a UV reactor with a handy dandy link to the one they help sell . Anyway, I’m hoping this is just the same thing that happens often with freshwater growing pains...

 

[Haroldeez]

One actually told me that I HAVE to have THIS UV reactor....

 

[Jaysushi]

How long has the tank been set up? It could be a bacterial bloom (which will go away on its own) or you added sand and it is still clearing up.

 

[Willu]

Most people will just toss in some carbon, or if your fancy you’ll use chemi pure blue

 

[Willu]

Also make sure you have good mechanical filtration, that is something like filterfloss

 

[11cmortarman]

Probably just a bacteria bloom. Usually will go away on its own. IMO a uv has helped me with it but is not needed.

 

[Haroldeez]

How long has the tank been set up? It could be a bacterial bloom (which will go away on its own) or you added sand and it is still clearing up.

3 weeks.... it looks exactly like a bacterial bloom that I’m used to with freshwater stuff

 

[Jaysushi]

3 weeks.... it looks exactly like a bacterial bloom that I’m used to with freshwater stuff

Okay, if it is a bacterial bloom you can either wait it out, or it was mentioned above you could get a UV sterilizer which isn't needed.
I had the same thing happen to my tank when I added nitrifying bacteria. Tank was cloudy and probably within 2-3 days it was back to being clear.
Now I have been running a 1/2 cup of rox 0.8 carbon to clarify my water.

 

[cracker]

No worry's ,it's the same with saltwater . First how long has this been going on? As mentioned get some carbon going with some flow thru it. some floss to trap the stuff. May I suggest this brand carbon? No, No just kidding ! That same thing drives me nuts as well ! try to ignore & scroll down . Let us know when it clears up !

 

[ngoodermuth]

The only thing to fear with bacterial blooms is low 02 content. But in a 3 week old tank, I’m assuming there’s not much there livestock-wise?

A good old-fashioned water change and a bag of carbon should help clear it up

 

[vetteguy53081]

Try as simple as a filter sock and addition of carbon

 

[Haroldeez]

No worry's ,it's the same with saltwater . First how long has this been going on? As mentioned get some carbon going with some flow thru it. some floss to trap the stuff. May I suggest this brand carbon? No, No just kidding ! That same thing drives me nuts as well ! try to ignore & scroll down . Let us know when it clears up !

Lol!! Yup I threw some carbon bags in and it’s cleared right up nicely

 

[Haroldeez]

The only thing to fear with bacterial blooms is low 02 content. But in a 3 week old tank, I’m assuming there’s not much there livestock-wise?

A good old-fashioned water change and a bag of carbon should help clear it up

Nope no livestock yet... it only lasted about 30 hours and now has cleared up nicely! Thanks everyone!

 

[Billdogg]

Welcome to the "New Tank Uglies"! You can expect your tank to be going through a variety of uglies for at least the first several months. It's just part of the fun. You were wise in that you didn't rush out to buy this/that/the other miracle fix. Those that do are the ones who quickly get discouraged and often leave the hobby before their tank has even had a chance to become properly established.

FWIW - I run carbon 24/7/365 and have since I started over 30 years ago. If you have a sump, then it would make sense to get or make a reactor for it so that you get the most out of it, but you certainly don't need to. I ran a 60g cube for 22 years using a canister filter, HOB filter, a couple power heads, and a heater - basically a freshwater setup with saltwater in it instead. Not that there aren't "better" ways to go about it, but don't let anybody tell you that you MUST BUY whatever it is they are selling!