Cloudy tank......

[Ditzy3]

So my tank is going through its cycle and everything including the substrate and live rocks have a brown coating on it. I was told to go get a clean up crew, and I have done that. The snails are doing a good job of cleaning up the rock, but of course it is happening very slowly. My tank is now cloudy and my 2 clownfish are hovering in the top corner of the tank. I'm not sure if this is normal or if something is wrong. We got our water tested about 4 or 5 days ago and it tested perfect, the salinity has been stable along with the temp. I guess I just don't know what is normal and what isn't....any advice would be appreciated!!!


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[Reefing Madness]

What did the water tests come back as? What were the numbers. Cloudy is telling me Ammonia bloom. The algae or brown dusting is a Diatom Bloom, and it will go away by itself, no worries there.
What is your SG level?

 

[Ditzy3]

We have a local fish store we go to, they did a chemical test of the water and told us everything was perfect. That was about 5 days ago. I don't know the actual numbers.wgat is SG, I don't know.. Thanks so much for answering, I'm very worried about my clown fish..


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[Ditzy3]

Any ideas of what I can do?


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[Reefing Madness]

I don't trust LFS and their readings, they are just there to sell you stuff.
But, as long as your fish is happy and eating, I'd leave him alone. As far as the algae and the cloudiness, they will go away in a couple of weeks by themselves, no need to intervene.
Just for info though, how big is the tank, how much live rock do you have, what kind of water flow?

 

[Rikerbear]

What is the salinity of the water? 1.020 - 1.025 is average
Don't you have a hydrometer and your own test kits?

 

[bucksfan1976]

1st rule on setting up a aquarium, get your own test kits. LFS (for the most part) will lie because they get you excited that your water is good so you spend money on livestock. Do a good water change, and if possible run some carbon, that might clear the water up some.

If you have a sump- put the carbon in a bag and (I) placed mine right where the return empties into the sump

If you have a Hang on filter, you can get a filter pad that has carbon in it, or if the filter is big enough drop a small bag of carbon in it.

 

[Reefoholic]

Your not using tap water are you??


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[Ditzy3]

I don't trust LFS and their readings, they are just there to sell you stuff.
But, as long as your fish is happy and eating, I'd leave him alone. As far as the algae and the cloudiness, they will go away in a couple of weeks by themselves, no need to intervene.
Just for info though, how big is the tank, how much live rock do you have, what kind of water flow?

I agree with you....I've tried out many of the LFS around here....but I found one that I really feel I can put my trust in. They are very honest with me, even if it means missing a sale. They even told me how to build my own sump tank if I was worried about money.....so I do trust my LFS....I feel lucky for that. My tank is a 36 gallon bow front, I have about 29pounds of live rock at this point, and I only have a hang on filter, although I am going to be putting together my sump tank in the next couple of days. thanks for your input!!!


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[Ditzy3]

What is the salinity of the water? 1.020 - 1.025 is average
Don't you have a hydrometer and your own test kits?

My salinity is just over 1.022, steady...and I do have a hydrometer, but I haven't gotten my own test kits just yet. I am working on getting everything I need. I appreciate your input.


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[Ditzy3]

1st rule on setting up a aquarium, get your own test kits. LFS (for the most part) will lie because they get you excited that your water is good so you spend money on livestock. Do a good water change, and if possible run some carbon, that might clear the water up some.

If you have a sump- put the carbon in a bag and (I) placed mine right where the return empties into the sump

If you have a Hang on filter, you can get a filter pad that has carbon in it, or if the filter is big enough drop a small bag of carbon in it.

Thankfully I have a very trustworthy LFS, they don't just tell me what I want to hear, as a matter of fact, a lot of times they tell me things I don't want to hear! Hahaha. I am going to get my own test kits, I working up to getting everything I need. I learn something new everyday, so I'm making the best decisions I can with the knowledge I am receiving I did a water change today and I also bought carbon and a bag and placed it in my filter. I will be setting up my sump tank in the next couple of days and I will transfer it there then. Thanks for your advice


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[Ditzy3]

Your not using tap water are you??


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No, no tap water.....I buy ready mixed water from my LFS....so I'm not making that mistake!! Hehe


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[justgotwet]

Sounds like you are off to a good start.







Larry

 

[Ditzy3]

Sounds like you are off to a good start.







Larry

Thank you very much Larry!

 

[bucksfan1976]

Is the water any better?

 

[Ditzy3]

Is the water any better?

It does look better already...thank goodness

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[Ditzy3]

Is the water any better?

And thanx for asking and checking in

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