Cloudy Freshly Cycled Tank

JerseyReefer · May 9, 2019

Hey guys, I just cycled my frag tank using Dr Tim’s one and only. Started ammonia levels at 2ppm last week but now ammonia, nitrite and nitrate are all 0. Ph is 8.2.

The water column turned cloudy a few days ago. I don’t run the lights at all. I believe this is an algae bloom. Should I wait until the cloudiness goes away on its own or should I do a water change or run a UV sterilizer?

Thanks!

Irishman · May 9, 2019

Did you move anything Around your tank? Skimmed over flowing?

JerseyReefer · May 10, 2019

Irishman said:
Did you move anything Around your tank? Skimmed over flowing?

Nothing moved. Bare bottom. Skimmer is off in the back sump (AIO tank).

naterealbig · May 10, 2019

Cloudy water will likely be something that is experienced frequently, during the first few months when running barebottom.

A UV sterilizer will clear this up quickly, and will keep your water crystal clear. It is the reason I use one now permanently, even though I don't run barebottom anymore.

JerseyReefer · Jun 30, 2019

naterealbig said:
Cloudy water will likely be something that is experienced frequently, during the first few months when running barebottom.

A UV sterilizer will clear this up quickly, and will keep your water crystal clear. It is the reason I use one now permanently, even though I don't run barebottom anymore.

So UV cleared the tank in 12 hours. Amazing really. Do you keep a UV running or do you shut down once it’s clear? I’d rather not keep it on because it’s ugly and heats the tank.