Cloudy water

[Defect]

So my tank is 3/4 of the way through the cycle and my water is now cloudy. I am not running my skimmer yet....should I just put it on? Will this help with the water being cloudy? Was fine about 3 days ago but now its getting cloudy. I will also say that I am getting a crazy diatom bloom which may also be contributing to it? Any info would be great.

Thanks

 

[dtruonggwhs]

I usually run my skimmer during cycling. Maybe other's can chime in.

 

[Defect]

Just put my skimmer not sure where the water line should be. It overflowed a bunch just a minute ago so just gonna have to dial it in. Will see in the morning if its any better or if anyone else has any ideas.

Thanks

 

[Waters]

Unfortunately every skimmer is different and requires a different water level (assuming you are talking about the water level in the sump?) The manufacturer should be able to provide that info. It will take weeks to break it in and produce consistent skimmate though. Right now, you don't have enough organic waste in your water for the skimmer to remove. Using it at this stage in the cycling process is more to break it in and learn how it works.

 

[Defect]

I was talking about the water level inside the skimmer. My skimmer is recirculating so water level doesn't matter much. So what will clear my water up? Anyone?

 

[WhoKnew]

Have you done any water change yet? What is you water parameters? There is a lot to factor in.

 

[Defect]

Ammonia is 0, nitrite is .5, nitrate 30-40. I haven't tested ph or alk in a while but last test was about a week ago. Ph was 8.2 and alk was 8. Tons of diatoms now taking over the rocks and sand. No water change yet. Will be doing one on Wednesday.

 

[Tahoe61]

Try running some charcoal if your in a hurry for the water to clear. If you're not in a hurry run the skimmer to remove some of the dissolved organic compounds and see if that does the trick.

 

[Defect]

In no hurry. I will keep the skimmer running and see how it goes.

Thanks.